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MEMOIRS 

OF THE C *--f~i/ 

STATED PREACHER 
IN THE MARINER'S CHURCH, 

FHXLADELPHIA.. 

WHO DEPARTED TfflS LIFE, JANUARY 30tli, 1628. 



BY ASHBEL GREEN, D. D. 



PiClatrelpfvia: 

PUBLISHED BY G. W. MENTZ, No. 71 RACE-STREET, 
1828. 



T 



\5« 



.44 



Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to wit : 

****** BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the first day of May, in the 

*L. S.* fifty-second year of the independence of the United States of 

****** America, A. D. 1828, Jacob J. Janeway, (in behalf of the erecu- 

tors of the Rev. Joseph Eastburn) of the said district, has deposited in this 

office the title of a Book, the right whereof they claim as Proprietors, in the 

words following, to wit : 

••• 
" Memoir of the Rev. Joseph Eastburn, stated Preacher in the Mariner's 
Church, Philadelphia: who departed this life January 30th, 1828. By Ashbel 
Green, D. D." 

In Conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, 
" An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of 
Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such copies 
during the times therein mentioned." And also to the Act entitled, " An 
Act supplementary to an Act, entitled ' An Act for the Encouragement of 
Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors 
and Proprietors of such copies, during' the times therein mentioned,' and 
extending the benefits thereof to fli6 arts of designing, engraving, and etch- 
ing, historical and other Prints." ^ • • 

7).* CALDWELL, Clerk of the 

Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



0^ One half of the profits arising from the publication 
of this book, is to be appropriated to the use of the Mariners 
Church of Philadelphia. 



To the founders and supporters of the Mariner's 
Church in the city of Philadelphia; 

To the Rev. Alfred H. Dashiell, who statedly 
ministers in that church; 

And to the mariners and their families who 
attend on public worship there, — 

These Memoirs of a man who was exceedingly 

and deservedly dear to them all, are most 

respectfully and affectionately 

inscribed, by 

THE AUTHOR. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Page 
His Parentage, Education, and first Religious Exercises . . 1 

CHAPTER n. 

Remarks on Mr. Eastbum's narrative — his marriage and the 
character of his wife — his exile from and return to Phila- 
delphia — his bearing arms — his son — is refused to be taken 
on trials for the gospel ministry, by the Synod of New- 
York and Philadelphia — his rebaptization 14 

CHAPTER HI. 

Mr. Eastburn enters into partnership — character of his part- 
ner — situation of his workshop, and conversations in it — ■ 
his long and unabated struggle with adverse worldly cir- 
cumstances — his conduct and sufferings in several seasons 
of pestilence — his kind attentions to the afflicted family of 
Dr. Sprout — the way providentially opened for his de- 
iiverance from worldly embarrassment, and for his becom- 
ing a religious teacher — plan for his services in the 
Northern Liberties of Philadelphia — he departs from that 
plan, and remarks on the subject ......... 25 

CHAPTER IV. 
Unhappy consequences of Mr. Eastbum's acting as a cate- 
chist and exhorter without a regular designation; the 
manner in which the evil was arrested; Mr. E.'s exami- 
nation and quaUfied licensure by the Presbytery of Phila- 
delphia , 38 

A2 



Yl CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

Pag« 
Hi8 license entirely satisfactory to himself— his fidelity and 

success in the Hospital, Aims-House, and Prison of Phila- 
delphia — his labors, various and incessant, and acceptable 
to different denominations — he is principally instrumental 
in forming a congregation — death of his wife, and entire 
relinquishment of his mechanical business 46 

CHAPTER VI. 

Continues to preach to the sailors, and in various other places 
— sickness and death » ... 76 

CHAPTER VH. 

Miscellaneous particulars and remarks — Conclusion . . .107 

FIRST APPENDIX. 

Letters 129 

Narratives and Anecdotes, extracted from Mr. Eastburn's 

Manuscripts 164 

Mr. Eastburn's Will 177 

SECOND APPENDIX. 

A Faithful Narrative of the many Dangers and Sufferings, 
as w^ell as wonderful deliverances, of Robert Eastburn, 
during his late Captivity among the Indians 181 



MEMOIRS 



miT^ ff®iM^M MAOT^WmW. 



CHAPTER I. 

His Parentage^ Education^ and first Religious Exercises, 

The name and virtues of Joseph Eastburn, have 
probably been already celebrated in the four quarters of 
the globe. The last ten years of his life were so disin- 
terestedly, assiduously, and atfectionately, devoted to all 
the best interests of seamen, that a large number of them 
regarded him with the veneration and attachment which 
dutiful children bear to a worthy parent ; and with their 
characteristic warmth of feeling, there is littie reason to 
doubt that they have proclaimed his praise, in every 
region to which their vocation has called them. Not 
only in many of the sea-ports of our own continent, but 
on the coasts of Asia and Africa, and in various parts of 
Europe, we may believe that they have extolled his piety, 
commended his benevolence, and exhibited him as an 
example. In Britain especially, the religious journals 
which are occupied with the concerns of mariners, give 
abundant evidence of the high estimation in which he 
was held in that country. 

But the best evidence of a man's real character is de- 
rived from the public sentiment, in the place of his stated 
residence, and where of course he is most fully known. 
Of this sentiment there was a striking expression, in re- 
ference to Mr. Eastburn, when his obsequies were solemn- 
ized, in the city where he was born, aiid where he had 
lived till he had entered his ei^iihtieth year. More than 
five thousand persons, it is believed, came to see, and 
many of them to weep over, his remains, before the 



2 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

coffin was closed upon them. And although his funeral 
was of the plainest kind, without gloves, scarfs, pall, or 
hearse ; and although a copious fall of rain descended 
without intermission, while the procession was moving 
from his residence to the place of interment ; yet a mul- 
titude of all characters, from the highest to the lowest, 
and of all ages, and both sexes, })rr duced such a throng, 
through five squares of the cit}, that it was frequently 
necessary to stop, till an opening could be made through 
the crowd for the passage of the corj^se. The feeling of 
resj-ect for the deceased, manifested on that occasion, 
taken in all its circumstances, was certainly of a ver} sin- 
gular and most extraordinary character. 

And how, it may be asked, was this celebrity and affec- 
tionate attachment obtained? Was it acquired by an illus- 
trious parentage, by splendid genius, by great talents, by 
distinguished erudition, or by munificent donatives ? No- 
thing, not an iota, of all this. The individual concerned 
was of humble birth, he had no pretensions to genius, no 
eminence of intellectual powers or attainments, little 
learning, and but a scanty property. The -whole must 
be attributed to simple, genuine, consistent, fervent, ac- 
tive, eminent piety. Of the influence and esteem which 
such a piety may secure to its possessor, by manifesting 
itself in all the forms in which it will, without seeking or 
expecting such an effect, become conspicuous, Mr. East- 
burn was one of the most striking instances that the world 
has ever seen. To show what such a piety may effect, 
is a principal object of the present memoir ; and what it 
has effected, has therefore been summarily stated at the 
entrance; that the whole of the subsequent narrative may 
illustrate and impress a fact, honourable to religion, and 
calculated to promote its influence and extension. 

Autobiography, or a man's life written by himself, has 
become fashionable ; and doubtless it has some advan- 
tages. An individual is not only able, but permitted, to 
say of himself, a number of things which no one else 
could, or ought, to say of him. Till the writer of this 
memoir had engaged to draw it up, he did not know or 
suspect that the subject of it had penned an accoui^t of 
the first part of his own life. It was however a very 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 3 

agreeable surprise when he found that this had been 
done ; and as soon as the paper was perused, the resolu- 
tion was taken to insert it, without the addition or sup- 
pression of a single thought, and with as little alteration 
as possible of the language. If the fastidious should cen- 
sure him for this, he is willing to bear it. He believes 
that if he had new cast the whole, he would not have 
been able to present a view of Mr. Eastburn's early life, 
and especially of his first religious exercises, nearly so 
interesting or so useful to the pious reader, as that which 
he will now find. It was desirable, besides, to show, as 
far as practicable, this excellent man precisely such as he 
loas; and this was partly to be done by letting the reader 
see how he spoke of himself, and in what manner he ex- 
pressed his thoughts in writing. He was, in no respect, 
an imitator ; but he seems to have read the works of the 
inimitable John Bunyan, till he had unknowingly caught 
something of his manner. His narrative is as follows : 

"At the pressing request of some of my religious friends 
that I should give some account of my life and religious 
experience, it is with reluctance I now make an attempt 
to comply — truly willing that my name should be buried 
with my body, as to the opinion of my fellow-men ; for I 
do know and feel that in all things I have come short. 

"As to my parentage, my father, Robert Eastburn,* 
came from old England when quite young, of a strict 
Quaker family, and continued for some time in that con- 
nexion, and was married in their public meeting, in their 
way. My mother also belonged to the same denomina- 

* A memorandum found among Mr. Eastburn's papers, furnishes 
the following information : 

Robert Eastburn was bom in Old England, in the year 1710. He 
came to America with his parents, when he was four years old. He 
was married in the year 1733, to Agnes Jones of Germantown. She 
was born in the year 1713. — Robert Eastburn died Jan. 22d, 1778; 
his wife, Sept. 27th, 1784. They had six children — Sarah, Hannah, 
Thomas, Robert, John, and Joseph. Sarah lived to the age of 83 
years, and died in Sept. 1818. Hannah died in 1773. Thomas in 
1802. Robert in 1815. John in 1806.— We here add, Joseph died 
on the 30th of January, 1828, — having entered his 80th year on the 
nth or the preceding August, 



4 aiEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

tion, and continued in their society until Mr. George 
Wliitiield first came to America. My father had been 
under serious concern about his soul for some time be- 
fore ; but could get no reHef, until hearing him preach. 
He went, as he said, with prejudice, to hear a young 
priest, but found he had been taught of the Lord, and 
could tell him the exercises of his heart ; and his heart 
was now opened to attend to the preaching of the gospel 
by him, and this was the means of his spiritual comfort — 
Mr. Whitfield used to call him his first fruit in America. 
My mother, being of a meek and humble temper, and 
seriously disposed, and being also benefited by his preach- 
ing, left the Quakers and united with my father to follow 
him ; which soon brought upon them severe trials from 
their parents and their former friends, which I do not 
wish to enumerate. Many of the followers of Mr. Whit- 
field united together, and erected a large building for 
worship, (now the old academy,) and by his advice called 
the Rev. Gilbert Tennant to be their stated minister, and 
became a regular congregation. My father was chosen 
deacon, and was very active in promoting the interest of 
the society, and in attending religious meetings in many 
places through the city. 

I was born, according to the date in my father's Bible, 
on the eleventh day of August, 1748, in Philadelphia, the 
youngest of his children ; and experienced the tender 
care of my kind parents, and the watchful providence of 
my heavenly Father. When an infant in my cradle, a 
cat had nearly drawn out my breath, when she was 
caught by my father, and just saved my life. When be- 
ginning to walk, I had followed my brother to the river, 
and fell in and narrowly escaped being drowned. I was 
early put to school, and had serious impressions on my 
mind when young ; so that I would retire from school 
and go to the garret of the house alone to pray, and would 
weep freely. My parents finding me at times serious, 
and like to make a scholar, were desirous that I might 
have an education ; hoping 1 might be useful to my fellow- 
men in the work of the ministry. But it was a time of 
war, and my father having been a prisoner amorjj^the 
Ifidians, brought their circumstances too low to afford mcr 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 6 

more than a common English education. At fourteen 
years of age I was put apprentice to the cabinet-maker's 
business, in a large shop of seventeen lads and young 
men — all thoughtless about eternal concerns, and making 
the sabbath a day of idle amusement. I was tempted to 
go with them to skate on the Schuylkill ; but had not 
gone far before my conscience so accused me of doing 
wrong, that I left them, ran back, hid my skates, and 
went to meeting. Thus I was an evidence of the truth 
of those words, ' Train up a child in the way he should 
go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.' I 
now quieted my conscience, and thought, by my regular 
conduct, praying in secret, and shedding a few tears at 
times, I should do well enough. But ' evil communica- 
tions corrupt good manners.' I was by degrees drawn 
into vain company. I had committed many trifling, jovial 
songs to memory, and having something of a turn for 
singing, I was often pressed to sing in company. I found 
I was going fast to ruin, and that a horrid snare was laid 
for my destruction ; but the Lord was pleased to pluck 
me as a brand from the burning, and through his blessed 
restraints I was preserved from all scandalous outbreak- 
ing sins. 

" I was now awfully alarmed with a view of eternity 
and the danger of losing my soul, which determined me 
to leave all vain company, and try afresh to seek salva- 
tion. But I found it hard to stand their solicitations, 
and afterwards their persecution ; for they would come 
with great pretensions of friendship, and beg I would not 
leave them, or deprive myself of all the happiness of 
youthful pleasure ; for Solomon, they told me, had said, 
there ' was a time for all things ;' and the time to be 
merry certainly was, when we were young ; and they 
said I could not pretend to be more holy than David, 
and he danced. My reply was, that we had been merry, 
but as we did not know how soon death might call us, 
as he did many as young as we, our time to mourn might 
soon begin, and never end ; and I thought it high time 
for us all to cry for mercy, before it was too late. What 
mac^Miy alarm so great and lasting was, the views I now 
had dreternity, from one of Mr. Davis's Sermons. These 



6 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

words were fixed in my mind, 'Oh! Eternity, Eternity! 
how will this awful sound echo through the vaults of 
hell !' — It was upon my mind day and night. I thought 
if I could live as long as Methuselah, and be in as much 
misery as it was possible to bear, all the time, I would 
be willing to bear it, if I could have hope of happiness 
afterward. Finding they could not persuade me to re- 
turn to them, they turned to be cruel persecutors, mock- 
ing and treating me with contempt : and if they found 
my place of retirement, they would be sure to disturb 
me, throwing stones where they only suspected I might 
be. For a long time I used to rise at midnight, when 
they were asleep, and spend the time in prayer for mercy. 
One of them happening to hear me, was so much affected, 
he could not conceal his cries ; and said, if I was afraid 
of going to hell, what would become of him and the rest 
of them. From that time he ceased his opposition, and 
became my friend till his death. But I had severe oppo- 
sition, from a man in the shop, who had made a profes- 
sion and turned back, and afterwards died in a bad way. 
" I had at this time no rehgious acquaintance, for my 
father had moved from the city to Neshaminy. I attend- 
ed worship on sabbath days, and every opportunity I 
could have, with great care. I worked hard, and was 
trying to gain a righteousness of my own. Having done 
overwork in my trade, I had gained a day clear, which 
I devoted to fasting and prayer alone. About this time 
I received a letter from a brother in New- York, in which 
he informed me he had been under soul-concern for some 
short time, and had obtained comfort. I thought he had 
not been so long nor so much engaged as I had been, and 
yet I had not the least comfort. I then began to think 
the Lord dealt hard with me, and I was displeased with 
his sovereignty. The ninth chapter of the Romans filled 
me with discouragement — that it was ' not of him that 
willeth, or of him that runneth, but of God that showeth 
mercy.' 1 feared I was not elected, and therefore would 
be lost after all. I went to the Episcopal Church, and 
when they read prayers and thanked God for their crea- 
tion, my heart replied, I do not; for I wished I hadg^ver 
been born, and often wished I was a brute, a stoclfror a 



MEiMOlRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 1 

Stone, rather than an accountable creature. I envied the 
httle birds their happiness. 1 found fault with the impu- 
tation of Adam's sin, and that through his fall we were 
rendered helpless and yet condemned. My wicked heart 
rose in horrid rebellion, and would wish there was no 
power that could punish me in hell for ever. I continued 
a long time in this awful state of mind, and found truly 
that ' the carnal mind is indeed enmity against God.' I 
thought I had the very spirit of Satan, and began to won- 
der that the Lord did not strike me dead, and fix my 
place among the fiends in hell, for my dreadful rebellion 
against his awful majesty. And I did expect that must 
be the case at last, for I thought so vile a creature as I 
saw myself to be, could never be admitted into his pres- 
ence ; and often have I feared to close my eyes in sleep, 
fearing I should awake in torment. 

"About this time my father returned to the city; but I 
could not for a long time open my mind to him ; but he, 
observing my distressed countenance, insisted upon know- 
ing what was my trouble. I then made it known to him, 
and he did all he could to encourage me. He took me 
to see pious ministers; a Mr. Strain was often in town at 
that time, to whom I made my case known. He gave 
the advice Paul gave to the jailer, and pressed me to be- 
lieve in the Lord Jesus Christ, immediately; warning me 
against false resting-places, and insisted upon it I was 
now doing so, and said while I hoped to be saved in any 
other way but through Jesus, I was practically calling 
God a bar, who declared there was no other way. That 
evening a strange minister preached upon the sin of un- 
belief. I determined then that I would never close my 
eyes in sleep again, until 1 had made the attempt ; and I 
spent the night in a solitary place alone, trying to realize 
my need of a Saviour, as a guilty, polluted, lost sinner ; 
and then thinking of the offices, fulness, and invitations 
of the Saviour — trying to give up myself to him, and pray- 
ing to be accepted by him, but I could find no relief. I 
thought 1 could as easily clasp the moon with my hands, 
which was then shining over my head, as I could believe 
so as, to obtain comtbrt to my soul ; not realizing that 
faith was the gift of God. 1 wondered that ministers 
B 



g MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURNo 

would press people to do what was impossible ; or thought 
that I was not like any one else, for I could not believe. 
Here my carnal heart again began to find fault, that I was 
required to do what I could not ; and therefore must be 
lost and could not help it. But my rebellious murmuring 
was silenced with a thought of who it was I was thus 
censuring ; and I began to wonder he did not strike me 
dead, and send me to dwell among the wicked spirits in 
hell, which I often thought must finally be my place. 
But now that passage in the 9th of Romans came again 
to my mind, in quite a different way from what I took it 
up before — ' It is not of him that willeth, nor of him 
that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy,' was 
now my only encouragement. For if it was for any 
goodness or merit in the creature, I of all mankind must, 
it seemed to me, for ever despair ; for I could deserve 
no favor from the Lord. But if he did it for his own 
mercy's sake, who could tell but I might yet experience 
his power to save me? and therefore I again resolved I 
would try to wait in the use of means, and not give over 
until he might please to reveal the way of salvation to 
me, a lost creature. 

" I now took much care to get spiritual instruction, tried 
to remember the sermons I heard, wrote down the texts, 
and what I could retain of them ; but still found myself 
awfully stupid, and felt all to be a task and burdensome; 
yet I thought I must wait until the Spirit of the Lord 
would come powerfully, and then would be my time to 
strive. My apprenticeship was now expiring, and the 
man with whom I learned my trade, through improper 
conduct, had become bankrupt. I had a new place to 
seek, and the kind notice of Providence surprised me. 
I had friends raised up beyond my expectation. My mas- 
ter's brother presented me with a complete good suit of 
clothes ; a place was provided for me to eai-n my living; 
I was favored with health and plenty of business, and 
could work well. I wondered that the Lord should re- 
gard my mean concerns, and show me any favor ; and 
as he had taken care of my temporal concerns, 1 thought 
it was an encouragement for me to cast my souPs con- 
cerns upon him. But my wicked unbelieving heart w^ould 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. ^ 

not go to that kind and gracious Father, who was mani- 
festing his tender pity for such a poor wretch as I was. 
Instead of this, my unbeUef still increased, and the abom- 
inable corruptions of my vile, sinful nature, seemed as if 
they would overpower all my resolutions to do any thing 
that was good. I confined myself to attend on the means 
of grace in public, and also attended society meetings, 
but found no pleasure in them ; but awful hardness of 
heart, and vile thoughts, would continually possess me, 
I thought there never was so hardened and yet stupid 
creature, as I was, which made me conclude the Lord 
had given me up ; that I had so grieved the Holy Spirit 
that he would no longer strive with me ; and that I had 
sinned the unpardonable sin, and there could be no mercy 
for me. Now I ceased to pray, for I believed that the 
Lord would strike me dead, if I dared to call upon him. 
I therefore looked for his judgments to follow me ; and 
hardly dared to close my eyes in sleep, fearing I should 
awake in hell. I would dream I was there blaspheming, 
and awake in horror, but dared not ask to be saved from 
it : and now, as I feared I should become a scandal to 
my parents and family, I resolved to keep alone, or to go 
to places of worship only to keep out of the way of tempt- 
ation ; not daring to hope ever to have a word of encour- 
agement spoken to me again. But I worked hard at my 
trade, to divert my mind, which I found was my best 
way. I said little to any one, and told no one of my dis- 
mal fears and horrors. I did once ask my father what 
he believed the unpardonable sin to be, without telling 
him my apprehension of my having committed it ; and 
his explanation seemed to confirm my belief that it was 
really my case. I still went to places of worship, and 
when any encouragement was presented to distressed 
souls, I would think — there now, I might have some re- 
lief, if I had not sinned that sin, which is unto death, and 
cannot be forgiven. But one sabbath evening, going to 
the Baptist meeting, a stranger of the name of Sutton 
preached, and remarked that some were tempted to be- 
lieve that they had sinned the unpardonable sin, and were 
greatly distressed about it ; which he declared was an 
evidence that it was not their case, or they would be 



iO MEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

hardened and careless. This coming from one who 1 
beheved knew nothing about me, I did beheve the Lord 
had directed it for me, and it greatly relieved my mind, 
I then resolved I would again betake myself to prayer, 
and if I perished, it should be at the throne of grace with 
the publican, crying as he did for mercy, and 1 was ena- 
bled to continue so to do, until at last, when just sinking, 
I was relieved ; which was in the following way : 

" I frequently had a word of encouragement in sermons 
from my precious friend Dr. Sproat, and from dear Mr. 
Robert Smith of Pequea, who pointed out my convictions 
to be those of the Spirit of the Lord, which were com- 
monly followed with manifestations of divine favor : also 
from several pious people, with whom I had now become 
acquainted, who were much interested in my case, and 
were, I believe, much engaged in prayer for me. But 
still my mind was overpowered with unbelief, until one 
sabbath morning, about the break of day. I was then 
thinking about my miserable state of soul — guilty, filthy, 
wretched, and helpless, and that a Saviour was appointed, 
and Jesus was inviting me to come to him, and if I did, 
1 should obtain relief. I found the hindrance was in my- 
self, and that none but the Lord could remove it. I then 
fell on my knees, crying to him to undertake for me. I 
tried to present all my wants to him, and besought him 
that whatever it was that hindered my closing with Jesus, 
he would remove it out of the way ; and that he would 
be pleased to work true faith in me, that I might believe. 
And while I was thus pouring out my heart to the Lord 
for his grace, that blessed counsel of the precious Saviour 
was powerfully impressed on my mind, contained in the 
third chapter of the Revelations and 18th verse — '1 
counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou 
mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be 
clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not ap- 
pear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou 
mayest see.'' Now a perfect suitableness appeared in 
this blessed provision to answer all my wants; for I knew 
1 was truly poor, and deep in debt to divine justice, and 
had nothing of my own to pay. But the white raiment 
was what I stood in particular need of, for I had oft^n 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 1 1 

been filled with horror at the thought of appearing a 
guilty, vile, filthy spirit, before the bar of a holy and just 
God ; but if arrayed in this glorious white raiment I might 
appear there to divine acceptance, and all my filthy gar- 
ments be cast away. The enlightening of the mind with 
this eye-salve of the Holy Spirit, was what I was likewise 
deeply sensible 1 greatly needed ; so that before I was 
aware of a change in my mind, my soul cried out — O 
Lord ! I accept this gracious counsel, and do bless thee 
for it. My heart was filled with comfort, and 1 could 
now call the Lord my dear father, and felt my very soul 
going out to him in love, whom before I had so much 
dreaded as my awful judge. I know not that any crea- 
ture heard me, in all or any of my private exercises, or 
how long I continued in this ; hut when I came down to 
my father's family, with whom I then boarded, my father 
saw such a change in my countenance, that he directly 
desired me to lead in family worship, which I felt a will- 
ingness to do. But I did not mention any thing to any 
one of my joy, but went to meeting with great pleasure ; 
when Mr. Caldwell, from Elizabethtown, preached from 
the 73d Psalm, first part of the 28th verse — ' But it is 
good for me to draw nigh to God.' He showed that no 
one could draw nigh to God, in the sense of that text, 
without having experienced a change of heart, and a true 
heart-love to him ; and then described how the soul was 
delighted with a sense of his gracious presence and fath- 
erly love ; and how it could call him my Father. I was 
fully satisfied that such had been the exercise of my soul 
that happy morning, and therefore did relate to my father 
what had passed in my mind. He then went with me to 
see Mr. Sproat, and desired me to relate the same to him, 
which I did, at their request. He inquired if I thought 
the Lord had shown me this favor for any goodness of 
my own ; which I protested I did not, but only of his 
pure, undeserved mercy. He then encouraged me to 
believe it was a work of divine grace, and now invited 
me to join in the communion of the church, which I 
never dared to do before, although often desired to do it 
" But my first comfort was of short duration. I soon 
began to fear 1 was deceiving myself with false hopes; 
B2 



12 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBLRN. 

and that it had been but a mere imagination of ray own. 
Here I was much cast down, and feared I never should 
have a sohd hope : and the loss of that comfort I had 
enjoyed for the short time I felt it, left upon me for a few 
days a most distressing sensation. I told my friends my 
distress, but could find no relief. I tried to pray that the 
Lord would satisfy me whether it was his work or not ; 
and the cry of my heart was constantly through the day — - 

for faith ! O for faith ! when I did again experience a 
sweet confirmation that it was the Lord's work, and that 
he would bless me ; and from time to time I had similar 
changes. I was very attentive to secret duty, and rose 
every morning before day, to read and pray alone, before 

1 went to my work. At this time the Blethodists came, 
and held worship before day, and in the evening. I often 
attended both seasons, and was pleased to have so many 
opportunities. But one evening the minister spoke against 
the doctrine of the saints' perseverance, from those words 
in the 10th chapter of 1st Corinthians, 4th and 5th verses, 
*And did all drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank 
of that spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock 
was Christ: but with many of them God was not well 
pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.' 
From which he undertook to prove, that a person might 
be united to the Saviour and partake of his grace, and 
yet after this finally fall away. I thought there appeared 
great reason from his text, and what he said upon it, to 
fear it might be so ; and therefore I was greatly discour- 
aged, for I knew what a poor helpless creature I was, 
and my enemies were too powerful for me to withstand, 
if left to myself. I lodged at my father's, and went home 
distressed; his family Bible was on the table; I imme- 
diately opened it, and the first passage I saw^ was the 
eighth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews, at the 
9th verse — ' Not according to the covenant that I made 
with their fathers, in the day when I took them by the 
hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they 
continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, 
saith the Lord : For this is the covenant that I will make 
with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord; 
I will put mj laws into their mind, and write them in 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. IS 

Iheir hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall 
be to me a people." Here I stopped with joy, and w as 
filled with delight in that blessed covenant, well ordered 
in all things and sure. I saw that the Lord not only en- 
gaged to be all in all to his people, but resolved that they 
should be his people, and that he zvould accomplish his 
work in them, and bring them through. This I believe 
is the seahng of the holy Spirit of promise; and now my 
mind felt such a confidence in the unchanging love of 
God through Jesus Christ, in whom the promises are all 
'yea and amen,' that I thought if all the ministers in the 
world would unite in speaking against the perseverance 
of those who are united to Jesus, they could not shake 
my comfortable hope. I now no longer depended upon 
my frames and feeling for my hope of eternal happiness, 
but upon the unchangeable covenant of grace, wherein 
the Lord has promised never to leave nor forsake his 
people, and that he will put his fear in their hearts, and 
they shall not depart from him ; that sin shall not have 
dominion over them,' being ' not under the law but under 
grace;' and that where the Lord begins a good work, he 
will carry it on to perfection. Now for a long time I went 
on my way rejoicing, and was encouraged to unite with 
others in religious societies, and began one weekly in my 
father's house, led in prayer, and read sermons to the 
people, who filled the house every time. And when 1 could 
get ministers to come, I did, and was much encouraged to 
go on. Mr. Robert Smith, the minister at Pequea, who 
kept a grammar school, and was earnestly engaged to 
promote the cause of his blessed Master, sent me an in- 
vitation to come to his institution ; promising to assist me 
in every way to obtain a classical education. I did earn- 
estly entreat the Lord to direct me, and having a desire 
to be useful to my fellow-mortals, and hoping this was an 
opening, and the way to be more so than in private life, 
I immediately gave up my business and went. Now I 
thought no exertions could be too great to accomplish 
this object, and did study night and day, until I became 
so unwell that the most noted physician we had told me, 
if I did not quit my studies, and go to active business 
again, I would soon die. This was like a dagger to my 



14 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

heart ; but I had good reason to believe it was so ; and 
therefore had to give up, and attend to my business again; 
and now concluded 1 would attend religious societies, and 
do all I could in a private way." 

Here Mr. Eastburn's narrative ends abruptly. He 
probably intended to continue it, but for some reason, 
which cannot now be discovered, did not execute his 
purpose. His subsequent life, however, was so fully 
known to some still living, and for the greater part of 
the time, to the writer of this memoir, that there is no 
lack of the information necessary for continuing his bi- 
ography. 



CHAPTER n. 

Remarks on Mr. Easthurn's narrative — his marriage and 
the character of his wife — his exile from and return to 
Philadelphia — his hearing arms — his son — is refused to 
be taken on trials for the gospel ministry^ hy the Synod 
of Neic-York and Philadelphia — his rehaptization. 

The germs of future character are often distinctly seen 
in early life : and a careful consideration of the narrative 
before us will, it is believed, disclose the elements of 
those habits of feeling, thought, and action, by which its 
author was distinguished in his maturer years. 

It is his own remark, that he was an example of the 
inspired declaration of Solomon, " Train up a child in 
the way he should go, and when he is old he will not 
depart from it." But for that sensibility of conscience, 
and knowledge of his duty, which he derived from the 
pious instructions and admonitions of his parents, there 
is no probability that he would have torn himself from 
his thoughtless companions, when going to the Schuylkill 
to profane the sabbath by skating on the ice, and have 
hastened back to attend a place of pubhc worship. It 
is the want of such parental teaching and good example 
as he enjoyed, which is the radical cause that our cities 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 15 

now abound with crowds of noisy boys and thoughtless 
youth, who desecrate the day of sacred rest, and even 
disturb, in their own dwelHngs, the exercises of those 
who wish " to keep holy the sabbath day." To this 
cause indeed — to the neglect of parental duty — may be 
traced that shocking violation of the fourth command 
of the decalogue, which prevails throughout our country, 
and which threatens to bring down upon it the just judg- 
ments of Heaven. If heads of families, in general, were 
as faithful in the discharge of their duty as the parents 
of young Eastburn appear to have been, many, like him, 
would not only abstain from all open vicious practices, 
but, like him, would also feel the influence of that fear 
of God, which might lead to the diligent use of all the 
means of grace ; and eventually, under the Divine bless- 
ing, to genuine and eminent piety. 

In the vivid and impressive views which the subject 
of this memoir had of his guilt and misery, and of his ex- 
posure to the curse of the broken law of God, in his un- 
converted state, connected, as they were, with his awfui 
apprehensions of the eternity of future punishment, we 
may doubtless find the origin of that earnest desire, 
which never forsook him, to be instrumental in plucking 
sinners as brands from the burning. He could not con- 
template their fearful situation, without most anxiously 
wishing to convince them of it, and to engage them, if 
possible, to flee from "the wrath to come." He was 
habitually and deeply sensible that an effectual care for 
the soul, is emphatically " the one thing needful ;" and 
to do something — to do every thing in his power — to 
promote the salvation of souls, he felt to be an obligation 
from which he could never be released. 

In the long and spre conflicts which this good man ex- 
perienced, and the variety of exercises through which 
he passed, before he was comfortably established in the 
hope of the gospel, we may perceive the source of that 
lively sympathy which he always manifested with per- 
sons in mental distress, and inquiring what they should 
do to be saved ; and of the peculiar qualifications which 
all who knew him admitted that he possessed, for in- 
structing, counselling, and praying with individuals, who 



16 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EAStBURK. 

had been brought into this interesting situation. He 
*' remembered his own affliction and misery — the worm- 
wood and the gall ;" he had been carried to the borders 
of despair, or rather, for a season, he seems to have 
passed those borders; and he had found, at last, a happy 
and complete deliverance. Hence his interested feelings 
for those who were experiencing, in any degree, the 
views and apprehensions of which he had known so 
much; and hence too his ability to give them advice, 
and to assist their labouring minds. They could scarcely 
speak of a fear or a discouragement, which he had not 
experimentally known. He had passed over the whole 
thorny path in which he found them travelling; he knew 
every inch of the ground, and every danger with which 
it was filled. He could make out, in his own case, a 
situation more deplorable than that of the most of those 
with whom he conversed ; and, while he warned them 
faithfully of every false resting-place, he could guard 
them against utter despondency, and invite them to an 
immediate apphcation to that precious Saviour, of whose 
readiness to receive the very chief of broken-hearted 
and believing sinners, he considered himself as a striking 
arid memorable example. It appears that the apostle 
Paul often appealed to his own experience; and there is 
reason to believe that this was also frequently done by 
him whose narrative is before the reader. With the 
holy scriptures his familiarity was eminently great, and 
scriptural examples and scriptural doctrine were always 
the authorities, and the only ultimate authorities, on 
which he relied. Through the whole period of his pro- 
tracted spiritual conflict, it appears that Mr. Eastburn 
diligently employed himself in his lawful calling, and 
that when his distress was the greatest of all, he sought 
in " working hard at his trade" for the mitigation of his 
misery. This advice he was doubtless prepared to give 
to others. He was no friend to the neglect of relative 
duties, or any of the ordinary concerns of life, because 
the mind was deeply engaged on the subject of religion ; 
and he was one of the best and safest advisers, for those 
whose mental exercises were mixed with morbid melan- 
choly. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 1 7 

The doctrines from which an individual first derives 
relief and comfort, after having suffered from gloomy 
forebodings in regard to his eternal destiny, he is usually 
disposed to cherish fondly, and maintain stedfastly, in 
subsequent hfe. This was remarkably verified in the 
subject of the present memoir. The all-suflSciency of 
Christ; his obedience and atonement, as constituting a 
righteousness, the imputation of which is the sole ground 
of the sinner's pardon, justification and acceptance with 
God; the necessity of the Holy Spirit's influence, to re- 
new and sanctify the heart; faith, in the strictest sense, 
the gift of God; the union of the justified sinner witn his 
Saviour indissoluble, and perseverance in grace the cer- 
tain consequence; resting on the covenant of grace, in 
which every true believer is interested, and not on fluc- 
tuating frames and feehngs, as the foundation of hope 
and confidence toward God. — Of these doctrines the 
outlines are conspicuous in the narrative of Mr. East- 
burn; and of these he was tenacious to the end of his 
days. He nevertheless cherished a sincere affection for 
many who differed from him in regard to some of these 
doctrines, and could maintain a cordial Christian fellow- 
ship with them; provided he discerned in them a real 
love of holiness, a true reliance on the Saviour, and a 
devoted attachment to his cause. He w^as a strict Cal- 
vinist, of the old school, in his own creed ; and could, 
for himself, not derive comfort from other views of Chris- 
tian doctrine than those which that creed presents. But 
the peculiarities of the system he did not reckon among 
the essentials of religion ; and he held his own opinions 
so meekly, that he was, in a remarkable degree, accept- 
able, in his visits and ministrations, among several Chris- 
tian denominations, whose doctrinal tenets differed con- 
siderably from his own. 

It appears from his narrative, that his parents early 
entertained the idea of his being educated for the gospel 
ministry; and that after his conversion, he, for a time, 
left his mechanical occupation, and apphed to study, 
with the hope of being regularly introduced into the sa- 
cred office. Although disappointed in this, it is probable 
we may here discern the beginning of that desire to bear 



18 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

the messages of salvation to perishing sinners, which 
could never be extinguished. This desire was no doubt 
greatly increased in its intensity, by those circumstances 
and considerations to which we have already adverted. 
So intense it certainly was, that he sought its gratifica- 
tion, in opposition to discouragements and disappoint- 
ments neither few nor of short duration; till at length, 
after he had passed the meridian of life, he was authorized 
to use his gifts, in exactly that form which was most de- 
sirable to himself. 

The foregoing remarks seemed to the writer to be 
naturally suggested, on a careful examination of Mr. 
Eastburn's narrative; and to be worthy of attention on 
their own account : at the same time, they will enable 
the reader more clearly to understand a number of oc- 
currences, which will be noticed in the sequel of these 
memoirs. 

After Mr. E. returned to his business, as a cabinet- 
jnaker, nothing worthy of record seems to have occurred ; 
except that he labored with his usual activity and dili- 
gence, and attended meetings for prayer and religious 
conference, as often as opportunities offered, for about 
the space of two years. — He then entered into the mar- 
riage relation. Among his papers the following certifi- 
cate was found — 

" This may certify, to all persons whom it may con- 
cern, that Joseph Eastburn and Ann Owen, both of the 
city of Philadelphia, were lawfully married on the 12th 
day of June, Anno Domini, 1771. 

Per me, James Sproutt, 

Minister of the Gospel." 

The woman whom Mr. E. selected for a wife, was as 
much noted for industry as himself. Hers was exercised 
in a branch of the tailor's business, which she had learn- 
ed, and in which she had become expert. She possessed 
higher intellectual powers, and was more improved by 
reading than her husband. But her best distinction was 
her eminent piety. She had, with this, much good sense 
and discretion, in connexion with an amiable temper and 
an engaging demeanor. Hence her company and con- 



INIEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBUkN. Vj 

versation were truly attractive ; and the singular neat- 
ness and order of her dwelling were the admiration of 
all her visitants. Religion was her favorite topic of dis- 
course. But she never introduced it unseasonably, os- 
tentatiously, or offensively. She suffered conversation 
to take its natural course, and joined in it with cheerful- 
ness, and sometimes with pleasantry, till a fit opportunity 
presented to give it a serious cast, or to drop some pious 
remark which she hoped might be useful. During the 
latter part of her life, she was a habitual invalid, and 
found it necessary to confine herself to her apartment 
through the whole inclement season of the year. Yet 
she was habitually cheerful, bearing her infirmities with 
little complaint and with exemplary fortitude. Her 
maladies were connected with a pulmonary affection, 
which at length carried her to the grave. But, for her, 
the grave had no terrors. She approached it not only 
without fear, but with serenity and a desire to depart. 
Her patience, tenderness of conscience. Christian resig- 
nation, and unwavering hope of heaven, through a long 
confinement, were of the most edifying kind. She was 
doubtful of the propriety of taking laudanum to mitigate 
her cough and restlessness ; nor would she consent to its 
use, till she had very seriously consulted the present 
writer on the lawfulness of such a remedy. — This tribute 
to her memory it had been unjust to withhold. The pe- 
riod of her dissolution will be noticed in its proper place. 

After what has been said, it is scarcely necessary to 
add, that Mr. and Mrs. Eastburn were happy in their 
union. For a number of years subsequent to their mar- 
riage, they had no house of their own, nor the undivided 
occupancy of one upon rent. They lived in a single 
room furnished by themselves, in a family that owned or 
had rented the dwelling in which they resided. This 
was their manner of life, during their residence in the 
city, till after the war of the American revolution ; and 
from the labour of their hands, in their several occupa- 
tions, they derived the means of a very comfortable 
support. 

Mr. Eastburn performed two or three tours of military 
duty, in the revolutionary war ; he was in the field at 

C 



20 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

the memorable battle of Princeton, Jan. 3d, 1777, ou 
which the success of our struggle for independence 
seemed to be suspended. He however accounted it a 
merciful providence, in his after life, although never in 
principle opposed to defensive warfare, that he had, in 
no instance, been instrumental in taking away human 
life. On one occasion the corps in which he bore arms 
was commanded to tire on the enemy, but was instantly 
countermanded, and did not fire — nor on any other oc- 
casion was he called to discharge his musket on an op- 
posing foe. On the approach of the British army to 
Philadelphia, in September, 1777, many of the citizens, 
who had been ardently attached to the American cause, 
fled into the adjacent country. That Mr. and Mrs. 
Eastburn were among the fugitives there is no reason to 
doubt; but the place of their residence, during their 
exile, if ever known to the writer, is not now in his 
recollection. Before the close of the summer of 1778, 
the British troops had evacuated the city, the citizens 
who had fled returned to their homes, and Mr. Eastburn 
and his wife resumed their occupations. The subsequent 
period, however, till the peace of 1783, was one of great 
public agitation ; religion vvas in a languishing state 
throughout the land, and vice and immorality, the usual 
attendants of war, lamentably prevailed. So far as op- 
portunity offered, Mr. Eastburn continued his former 
practice of attending meetings for prayer and Christian 
conference, and was usually a leader in them. 

In something more than a year after marriage, as 
nearly as can now be ascertained, a son vvas born to the 
pious pair, whose story we are tracing. This child 
bore the name of Thomas ; and there can be no doubt 
that many prayers were offered in his behalf, and much 
religious instruction imparted to him. But, contrary to 
the wishes of his parents, he insisted, at an early age, 
on going to sea. After fruitless endeavors to dissuade 
him from his purpose, he was committed to the care 
of Captain Benjamin Wickes, then an intimate and en- 
deared friend of his father, and the commander of a 
merchant vessel which sailed from the port of Philadel- 
phia. The statement of this venerable man, now an 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 21 

elder of the church in his 82d year, as given to the writer 
a few days since, represents the conduct of young East- 
burn, while under his superintendence, as orderly and 
correct. That he was not so, when he came to act for 
himself, it is grievous to mention. He, however, became 
first a mate, and then the commander, of a merchant 
vessel. By the failure of a mercantile house, into whose 
employ he had entered, he lost the little property he had 
acquired : and shortly after, on his return from the West 
Indies, in a vessel in which he was only a passenger, he 
was instantly killed by a cannon-ball, at the age of twen- 
ty-four or twenty-five years. This was at the time when 
the excesses of the French revolution were at their 
height; and the shot which killed Thomas Eastburn, 
seems to have been fired with a view to detain, or to 
capture, the vessel in which he was a passenger, with a 
view to plunder. The news of the death of their son 
soon reached his anxious parents. This correction of 
their heavenly Father they bore with a submission and 
resignation truly Christian ; but it was manifestly painful 
for them to speak on the subject to any of their friends. 
Hence the memorialist, after his pastoral visit to the 
mourning family, never introduced the topic in his con- 
versation with the parents ; and hence, although he is 
satisfied that all the material facts of the case are here 
correctly stated, he is not quite sure that some unimpor- 
tant circumstances might be dififerent from the represent- 
ation now given of them. It may serve to show how 
opposite are the sources from which consolation under 
affliction is sought by dififerent descriptions of people, to 
relate an incident which took place on this sad occasion. 
Some of the sailors belonging to the ship in which Thomas 
Eastburn was killed, called on his mother, to narrate the 
particulars of the disastrous event. On perceiving how 
much she v^^as grieved, one of them said — " Madam, he 
died without a bit of pain ; the cannon-ball carried oflf 
his head all at once." Between the views of this sailor 
and Mrs. Eastburn, what a difference ? — he thinking only 
of an easy death ; she absorbed with the thoughts of that 
eternity into which her son was so suddenly hurried. 
This excellent woman, in a kind of reserved manner. 



22 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

intimated to her pastor, in the single conversation he had 
with her on the death of her only son, that she had been 
unusually engaged, and, as she thought, assisted, in prayer 
on his behalf, for some time before his death ; and this 
was the source, and the only one, from which she ap- 
peared to derive a ray of consolation. It is not improb- 
able that the deep interest which, in the latter part of his 
life, Mr. Eastburn took in the spiritual concerns of sea- 
men, was increased by the remembrance of his son. 

We now return to narrate the events of most impor- 
tance in the life of the subject of these memoirs, during 
Jhe period which elapsed from his return from exile, till 
Ihe termination of the awful pestilence of 1 793. It has 
already been mentioned, that during the first part of this 
period, he continued his practice of attending meetings 
for prayer. But it appears that beside this, he sought a 
regular introduction to the gospel ministry. It is in the 
recollection of the memorialist, that before he left his 
father's house for college, which was in May, 1782, a 
letter in relation to the introduction of a man into the 
gospel ministry, without a liberal education, was address- 
ed to that father. It cannot be stated as a matter of dis- 
tinct remembrance, that this letter related to Mr. East- 
burn ; and yet no doubt is entertained that it did. The 
man concerned, it was understood, resided in Philadel- 
phia. The letter was written by a delegate from the 
State of New-Jersey to the old Continental Congress, on 
which that delegate was then attending. The party to 
whom the letter was addressed was a leading member of 
the Presbytery of Morris county, all the members of which 
had, a short time previously, separated themselves from 
the Presbytery of New- York, and formed the Presbytery 
of Morris county — chiefly with a view to license men to 
preach the gospel, without requiring, as indispensal)le, a 
course of liberal study. But the manner in which the 
business to which this letter related was disposed of, in 
the Morris county Presbytery, is unknown to the memo- 
rialist; except that Mr. Eastburn was never under the 
care of that Presbytery. It is considered as probable, 
that the finances of Mr. E. did not permit him to spend 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. • 23 

the time in preparation for the pulpit, which was required 
even by the Morris county Presbytery. 

Certain it is, that shortly after this time, a proposition 
was made to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, to take Mr. 
E. on trial for the gospel ministry, without the literary 
acquisitions usually required in such a case. The minute 
of this Presbytery on the subject is not before the writer; 
but the following minute of the Synod of New-York and 
Philadelphia will show that the case had been referred 
to the Synod by that Presbytery. The name of Mr. 
Eastburn was indeed omitted, and no doubt with design, 
in the record ; but there is no question that the reference 
was to him. In the minutes of the Synod,* at their ses» 
sions in May, 1783, the following entry appears : 

"Through the committee of overtures, it was requested 
by the First Presbytery of Philadelphia, that the Synod 
declare to them their sense on this point, viz. whether a 
person without a liberal education, may be taken on trial 
or licensed to preach the gospel ? The question being 
put, it was carried in the negative." 

It was mentioned to a friend of the writer, by Mr. 
Eastburn himself, not long before his death, that the 
influence of the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon in the Synod, 
was chiefly instrumental in obtaining this decision. How- 
ever that might be, and whatever might be the number 
of those who voted in opposition to the majority, the 
cause of Mr. E. had, it appears, but one open and active 
advocate. A daughter of the Rev. Dr. Sproat, now liv- 
ing, has within a few hours assured the writer, that she 
well remembers the emphasis with which her father said, 
on returning to his family from the Synod — " I have had 
to stand alone, in pleading the cause of Mr. Eastburn :" 
and then added, that he believed Mr. E. might do more 
good in preaching the gospel than some others who ob- 
tained license. The memorialist feels himself bound to 
state facts as he finds them; but it is not to be understood 
that he means to give an opinion, in opposition to that of 
the Synod on this occasion. It will appear hereafter in 

* It will be recollected that this was before the formation of the 
General A:=i'jembly of the Presbyterian Church ; and that this Synod 
was then the supreme judicature of Uiat church. 



24 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN- 

what manner he did think and act, when called in Provi- 
dence to take a part in authorizing Mr. E. to assume the 
character of a rehgious teacher. In the mean time, this 
decision of the Synod seemed to terminate all hopes in 
the mind of Mr. E. that he would ever be permitted to 
preach in the Presbyterian church. How much influence 
it had, or whether any, in turning his views to another 
communion, the memorialist is not prepared to pronounce. 
The facts are, that not long after this decision, an inti- 
macy, which had not previously existed, took place be- 
tween him and some brethren of the Baptist church ; and 
that, in the issue, he received from a minister of that 
church rebaptization in the form of immersion. This 
took place at Southampton, about 1 7 miles to the north 
of Philadelphia. 

The known conscientiousness of Mr. E. ought to pre- 
vent or remove all suspicion that, in this transaction, he 
did not act under a full conviction of duty. But whether 
that conviction was the result of due deliberation, and of 
enlightened views, is another matter. His purpose of 
doing what he did in this concern, appears to have been 
concealed, both from his wife and his beloved pastor and 
friend. Dr. Sproat. It is certain that he was never en- 
rolled as a member of the Baptist church ; and it is be- 
lieved that he never communed in that church, even in 
a single instance. To satisfy his aggrieved wife, (for she 
was deeply grieved on this occasion,) he promised her 
that he would not leave the church to which they both 
belonged, while she remained in life ; and he not only 
fulfilled this promise, but showed as little disposition to 
leave it after her decease, as he had done before.* 



* Mr. Hiram Ayres, whose signature appears at the close of the 
first of the following letters, very kindly consented, at the request 
of the writer of these memoirs, to endeavor to obtain authentic 
information from Southampton, in regard to Mr. E.'s rebaptization 
there. The foregoing account was just finished, when the follow- 
ing letters were received. 



Philadelphia, March 21st, 1828. 
Dear Sir, — In compliance with my promise, I wrote to South- 
ampton for information concerning the late Rev. Joseph Eastburn, 



( 25 ) 



CHAPTER III. 

Mr. Eastburn enters into partnership — character of his 
partner — situation of his workshop, and conversations 
in it — his lotig and unabated struggle with adverse 
worldly circumstances — his conduct and sufferings in 
several seasons of pestilence — his kind attentions to the 
afflicted f (mill/ of Dr, Sproat — the way providentially 
opened for his deliverance from worldly embarrassment, 
and for his becoming a religious teacher — plan for his 
services in the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia — he 
departs from that plan, and remarks on the subject. 

Near the time of his being rebaptized, Mr. Eastburn 
entered into partnership, in the cabinet-making business, 
with Mr. Peter Lesley. A brief notice of this worthy 

and after considerable delay, received the following information 
from two different persons, one of whom was present at the bap- 
tism, and whose testimony is conclusive as to time, &c. He thinks 
it was in the summer of 1788, that Mr. Eastburn was baptized, 
and states that the ordinance was administered by the Rev. David 
Jones. But for your greater satisfaction, I have given the paper 
accompanying this, which you will perceive contains the informa- 
tion above stated; also some interesting circumstances — aU of 
which is at your service. The other person to whom I wrote 
gives a corresponding statement ; says it was between the years 
1786 and '92, that he was baptized, and by the same person, and 
at the same place, as above stated. It appears from both the 
letters I received, that no record was made of the transaction in 
the church book. Since receiving those letters I have heard it 
said, that the Rev. Thomas Fleeson, of Blockley, was possessed 
of information concerning the subject of our inquiries. I accord- 
ingly wrote to him, but have not yet received a reply. 
I am yours, &c. 

Hiram Ayres, 
JVo. 14, South Twelfth Street. 
Rev. a. Green, D. D. 

The letter to Mr. Ayres, to which his note refers, is as follows : 

Southampton, March 17, 1828. 
" Dear Cousin, — You wrote some time since, requesting such 
information from Southampton as could be come at, concerning 



26 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

man ought to have a place in these memoirs. He was not 
only the partner and particular friend of Mr. E., but the 
remembrance of him is too grateful to the writer to admit 
of passing him by, without some memorial. During the 
six and twenty years, in which the memoriahst sustained 
the pastoral relation to the second Presbyterian church 
of Philadel«>hia, Mr. Lesley was the sexton of that church. 
He was a man of great modesty, integrity, industry, and 
piety. His industry and prudent management of his 



Mr. Joseph Eastburn. I do not recollect the precise time, but 
think it was some time in the summer of 1788, that Mr. Eastburn 
came to Southampton, where he gave a very pleasing and satisfac- 
tory relation of his religious experience, before the church — dated 
his first religious exercise among the Methodists — but afterwards, 
becoming dissatisfied with their way, left them, and gave himself 
a member among the Presbyterians ; said the Lord's presence v/as 
among them, and that he had enjoyed many precious seasons in 
their society; but to satisfy a scrupulous conscience, he had come 
to Southampton to be baptized by immersion — which ordinance 
was administered by Mr. David Jones. What I have now written 
I remember perfectly well, being present at the time. 

" Elias Yerkes. 

*' Mr. Hiram Ayres." 

" Mr. Eastburn did not give himself a member of the church at 
Southampton, his residence being in Philadelphia ; therefore the 
church-book is silent about him. He was baptized only upon a 
profession of his faith in Christ, and went on his way rejoicing." 



It will be observed that the statement which had been prepared 
before these letters were received, is not invahdated by them, in 
any thing except the date of the transaction to which reference is 
made. This date is in itself of little importance. Yet it may not 
be improper to remark, that it is incorrectly assigned to the sum- 
mer of 1788. At that time the writer had been settled as co-pas- 
tor with Dr. Sproat for something more than a year ; and he is 
well assured that the rebaptizing of Mr. Eastburn had taken 
place before his settlement, which was in April, 1787. Mr. Yerkes, 
the venerable member of the Baptist church at Southampton, who 
wrote the second letter, says explicitly — " I do not recollect the 
precise time." After the lapse of more than forty years, although 
facts may be distinctly remembered, dates can seldom be fixed, 
without some other aid than that of mere memory. The informa- 
tion given by Mr. Yerkes, as to Mr. Eastburn's views in seeking 
baptism by immersion, is a valuable addition to the previous ac- 
count. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 2T 

aflairs, enabled him, under the divine blessing, to provide, 
in a very reputable and comfortable manner, for a nu- 
merous family; and by a careful attention to the duties 
of his station, and a uniform disposition and endeavour to 
oblige, he acquired a respect and esteem, which men of 
a more elevated rank do not always merit or obtain. The 
piety of Mr. L. was marked by simplicity and humility ; 
he was " an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." 
Such were his lowly thoughts of himself, that he sometimes 
needed counsel and encouragement to preserve him from 
despondence. He was truly devout ; and no other neglect 
of his duties as sexton is recollected to have been ever 
laid to his charge, than that he was, occasionally, so en- 
grossed by the services of the sanctuary, that he did not 
sufficiently notice the strangers who entered the church. 
If there was truth in this charge, of which the writer is 
doubtful, who that knew the cause, would not readily 
excuse, if they did not commend the man, whose devo- 
tion to his God produced a temporary forgetfulness of his 
fellow-worms? This humble and exemplary Christian, 
died in the faith and hope of the gospel, March 31st, 
1816, at the advanced age of 79 years. 

Mr. Eastburn was, for a long time, the clerk of the 
church of which Mr. Lesley was the sexton ; and a small 
wooden building, in front of, and connected with, the 
base of the steeple, by which the church edifice was then 
adorned, furnished the workshop, in which these part- 
ners in manual labour pursued their occupation, with 
unceasing activity. The number of hours in the day, 
during which they toiled at their trade, was greater than 
usual. Mr. Eastburn once told the writer, that a man, 
who valued himself on his skill in the cabinet-making 
business, came from the country to the city, under the 
idea that city mechanics had easier times than their 
country brethren. He applied to Messrs E. & L. for em- 
ployment as a journeyman. Employment was offered him, 
on condition that he should work the same number of 
hours in each day as his employers. The offer was gladly 
accepted ; but in less than a week, the journeyman de- 
clared that "he could not stand it to work as they did," 
and left their service. This workshop was, for several 



28 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

years, the resort of many who wished to converse with 
Mr. Eastburn on the subject of religion generally, or on 
the state of their own souls in particular. He conversed 
and laboured at the same time ; and the observations he 
made, and the advice he gave, in these circumstances, 
were, in many instances, highly useful. 

He was always fond of children, and seldom failed to 
gain their affection and confidence in return. From a 
school almost adjoining his shop, he was daily resorted to 
by a number of these youthful visitants, whom he sup- 
plied with little blocks, the remnants of the wood in 
which he wrought; and sometimes permitted them to 
build their tiny fabrics on the floor of his shop, while he 
watched an opportunity to say something to them, which 
he hoped they might remember with advantage. The 
following short dialogue between him and the writer's 
eldest son, then a child about six years old, may serve as 
a specimen of his conversations on these occasions — 
" Mr. E. Well Robert, you seem very busy — If you live, 
what business do you expect to follow? what do you ex- 
pect to be? Robert. Why Mr. Eastburn, you know what 
my Pa is? Mr. E. Yes, your Pa is a minister of the gos- 
pel. R. Well, I intend to be a minister too. Mr. E. Ah, 
my dear, if you intend to be a minister, you must first be 
a good man. Remember that ; for you had better be a 
chimney-sweeper, than a minister of the gospel, if you 
are not a good man."" It is known that a number of indi- 
viduals of unquestionable piety, now living, attribute their 
first religious impressions to the affectionate admonitions 
and instructions which in their childhood, or early youth, 
they received from this faithful servant of the Lord Jesus. 
His earnest prayers were doubtless constantly offered, in 
behalf of those who received his counsels ; and " the fer- 
vent and effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth 
much." 

After the close of the revolutionary war in 1783, till 
the establishment of the federal government of the United 
States in 1788, and, in a degree, for several years after- 
wards, there was a most deplorable stagnation of almost 
every kind of business. The produce of the soil was in- 
deed abundant, but there was scarcely any foreign -com- 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 29 

merce ; and in consequence of this, and the circulation 
of a paper currency, the precious metals had almost en- 
tirely disappeared — they had either left the country, or 
were hoarded by a few individuals. For the wares of 
mechanics, especially, the demand was very small, and 
the price unusually low. Mr. Eastburn's circumstances, 
in common with those of many others, became, from this 
cause, much straitened. But another cause increased 
his embarrassment. He had borrowed money to pur- 
chase a lot of ground, and on it had erected the house in 
which he lived till the time of his decease. The labour 
of building the house had, to a considerable extent, been 
performed by his own hands. But the lot was not paid 
for ; and although his creditor never pressed him for the 
debt, yet he dreaded its increase ; and to prevent the 
accumulation of interest, and to support a wife, now ex- 
ceedingly infirm, and his son, then a boy, exertions and 
management, of no ordinary kind, were required. The 
writer well recollects the sympathy which he felt for this 
exemplary man, in witnessing the incessant labors, pur- 
sued both early and late, by which he endeavored to 
avoid debt, and to afford to a valetudinary wife the ac- 
commodations which she needed, and which he never 
suffered her to want. This struggle with adverse circum- 
stances was not abated, till it terminated in complete 
success. It is believed that his debt, if not annually di- 
minished, was always kept stationary, till it was ultimately 
cancelled, in the maimer that will presently appear. In 
the mean time, the debtor, with an humble but cheerful 
trust m the providence of God, seized every opportunity 
that offered, to serve the Saviour whom he loved, and to 
engage in those spiritual exercises in which he delighted. 
Unless detained in his shop to prepare a cofhn that was 
urgently demanded, he never failed to attend a weekly 
religious service of the congregation to which he belonged, 
and which was celebrated in a private dwelling, as well 
as every public service performed in the church, on the 
evenings of secular days. He often, also, after the fatigues 
of the day and a part of the evening, visited, conversed, 
and prayed with the sick. 

In the m.anner above described, Mr. Eastburn passed 



30 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

his life, till the occurrence of the memorable pestilence, 
which spread terror and desolation through the city of 
Philadelphia, in the year 1793. On that occasion, the 
city was soon abandoned by a large majority of its inhab- 
itants ; but the senior pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
church, with the clerk and sexton, remained at their 
posts. The then junior pastor of that church, the writer 
of these memoirs, having, with his wife, suffered among 
the first subjects of the disease, and while yet in a state 
of imperfect convalescence, was called by a singular 
providence into the country, where he remained, with 
his family, till the calamity had subsided. But never, 
while memory remains, can he forget the distress of that 
awful period. Many of his dearest friends and most es- 
teemed parishioners were hurried to the grave. Among 
the rest, his venerated and beloved colleague, with his 
wife, two of his children, and an amiable daughter-in-law, 
became the victims of this awful scourge. Mr. Eastburn 
did not escape a severe attack of the prevailing pesti- 
lence ; but his life was spared — spared in rich mercy, 
not only to those to whom his after ministrations in the 
gospel were so eminently blessed, but to many who, 
during the pestilence, were destitute of every other friend 
and helper. The family of his aged, endeared, and deeply 
afflicted pastor, received his most assiduous attentions. 
To them, as a relict of that family, still in life, has re- 
cently and with much emphasis expressed it to the writer, 
"he was hke a good angel.'" He visited them daily, to 
inquire after the state of their health, or more commonly 
the state of their illness ; to take charge of their concerns, 
and to provide for their wants, as if they all had been his 
own — his own indeed they were, for affection and sym- 
pathy made them such. As one after another of this 
mourning family fell before the destroyer, Mr. E. was 
still present, to see that the corpse was decently laid out, 
the coffin prepared, and the funeral rites performed, with 
all the respect which the urgency of the times would 
permit. Such were his attentions and exertions, unabated 
and undismayed by disease and death, which stalked on 
every side, till, as the concluding part of his sad employ- 
ment, he deposited in the house appointed for all living, 



MEMOfRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 31 

the mortal remains of his beloved "pastor, and those of his 
wife. 

It appears from the diary of Dr. Sproat, a part of which 
has been published, that for a considerable length of time 
after the general prevalence of the yellow fever, and the 
flight of the citizens, he met a few of the pious people of 
his charge who remained in the city, both on the sab- 
bath and on some other occasions. On all these occa- 
sions, without its being testified particularly to the memo- 
rialist, he has no doubt that Mr. Eastburn took a leading 
part; and also, in rendering, in a more private way, 
every service, both of a spiritual and temporal kind, to 
the sick and the dying. His own attack was before the 
disease had attained its widest spread ; his recovery was 
speedy and perfect; and he afterwards retained his health, 
till health was restored to the city at large.* 



* The following extract from the writer's printed sermon on the 
death of Dr. Sproat, with the accompanying notes, will serve to 
illustrate some of the facts referred to in this part of the memoir : 

" The painful infirmities of age, under which Dr. Sproat laboured 
for a considerable time before his death, he bore with a cheerful 
fortitude. Since the twenty-third day of August last, he had been 
looking for death, and ripening for it with uncommon speed. On 
that day he completed half a century of years in the character of an 
ordained minister of the gospel ; and thenceforward, to the time of 
his death, the larger portion of his waking hours were spent in the 
immediate acts of devotion, or of devout meditations and aspirations 
of soul.(*) He endured the severe distress which was inflicted on 
his family without the least repining.(f ) At the funeral of a dear 
son he might with peculiar propriety use the language, for he emi- 
nently possessed the spirit of Job.{t) 

" His death was easy, and he was rational to the last. A short 
time before he expired, and after he had lost the power of speech, 
being asked if he felt the support of religion, he answered by the 
signal of lifting up his hands and his eyes to heaven. 

(*) " This is confirmed not only by the observation and testimony of those 
Who were most about him, but by what appears in his own diary. This 
diary exhibits one of the most instructing views of the exercises and temper 
of a Christian, especially when under affliction, that perhaps has ever been 
seen. 

(f ) " His eldest son with his wife, and his youngest daughter, died within 
the space of a month. The doctor himself, and Mrs. Sproat, were added to 
the number in less than a month afterwards. 

(t) *' Enfeebled and trembling with age, the Dr. followed the corpse of his 
son to the grave, and after it was deposited, leaning on his staff, he pro- 
nounced only these words,—' The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, 
blessed be the name of the Lord.' Amen I 
D 



32 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

Mr. Eastburn passed through three other seasons of 
desolating pestilence, which occurred in Philadelphia, in 
the successive years of 1797, 1798, and 1799. Those 
with which the city was visited in 1802 and 1803, were 
comparatively slight and partial. Of these, that of 1798 
was not less fatal and terrific than the one of 1 793, of 
which we have taken a more particular notice. In 1 798, 
Mr. E. suffered more severely from the prevalent malig- 
nant fever, than he had done five years before — it brought 
him in appearance to the verge of the grave. The faith- 
ful and vigilant nursing of his infirm wife, was the princi- 
pal means, under the divine blessing, of preserving his 
valuable life. He had in this illness a very earnest desire 
to depart, and to be with his Saviour. " But I could not 
obtain my discharge," was the language which he used, 
in speaking to the writer of his feelings and views at this 
period; and this language carried in it more meaning than 
he could have thought of at that time. He was not 
" discharged," because he had yet to render services, in 
the church militant, of the most important kind. He had 
not yet had an opportunity to sound the gospel trumpet, 
in that public manner in which he afterwards did, and 
for which hundreds, perhaps thousands, will bless God 
to all eternity. 

The providential dealings of the Father of mercies 
with his dear children, are often such as they do not un- 
derstand at the time ; and which astonish them on the 
review. The exertions, and anxieties, and privations. 



*' The respect which was shown to his remains, at a time which 
precluded it in almost every other instance, was a proof of the high 
esteem in which he was held."(*) 

(*) " During the late distressing scenes which were witnessed in this city, 
the almost universal mode of conveying a corpse to the grave was in a hearse 
or a cart ; and the attendants consisted only of the person who drove the 
carriage, the grave-digger, or a negro hired for the purpose, and, in a few 
instances, two or three mourning friends. But in the case of Dr. Sproat 
there was a procession and bearers of the dead, which, as it was more strik- 
ing to the beholders, in the circumstances in which it happened, than the 
most splendid funeral that perhaps the city ever produced, so it was a much 
stronger proof of the affection which was felt for the deceased, than the 
greatest parade, in ordinary times, can possibly be. The pious people who 
had met at the church for prayer, formed a procession of about fifty persons, 
and sojne religious negroes voluntarily offered themselves to carry the bier." 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. So 

of Mr. E. in the seasons of yellow fever through which 
he passed, were certainly great, and at times exceedingly 
trying; although it is believed that he suffered little, per- 
haps nothing, from the fear of death, as a personal con- 
cern. Yet he not only suflfered extremely by disease, 
especially in 1798, but the scenes of human misery with 
which he was surrounded, and which in many instances 
admitted of no relief, were distressing beyond description. 
The toil he endured both by night and by day, in making 
coffins for the dead, and in visiting the diseased and the 
dying, were burdensome in the extreme. Above all, the 
multitude of immortal beings, (sometimes a hundred in a 
day,) whom he saw passing into eternity, the most of them 
ignorant, and many of them vicious — must have produced 
on a mind like his — always sympathetic, and always 
deeply impressed with the realities of that unchanging 
state of happiness or misery upon which death sets its 
seal — feelings, which nothing but the grace of God, added 
to much natural fortitude, could have enabled him to en- 
dure. These, notwithstanding, were the very dispensa- 
tions of Providence which were made to contribute to 
his future comfort and usefulness — which brought him 
into that sphere of action in the church of Christ, to 
which he had long been looking as an object of intense 
desire, and which he had often resigned as hopeless. 
The avails of his mechanical business, of which the 
making of coffins is always a very profitable part, were 
such, (although he took no undue advantage of the neces- 
sities which the pestilence created) that he not only can- 
celled all his debts, but accumulated a fittle capital, which 
enabled him afterwards to live without labor, to make all 
his ministerial services perfectly gratuitous, to do many 
charitable acts while hving, and to provide for the sup- 
port of a preacher in the mariner's church at his death. 
In another and a still more important respect, were the 
desolations of pestilence made instrumental in opening 
the way for his preaching the gospel. They produced a 
demand for his services, which it was not easy, if it had 
been lawful, to resist. To be prepared for an uninter- 
rupted narrative of the several steps by which this was 
brought about, an account of the manner in which he 



34 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

passed the various seasons of pestilence that have been 
noted, has been given at once ; and has carried forward 
the story of his hfe, as connected with these events, to a 
period from which we must now look back for several 
years. 

The church to which Mr. Eastburn belonged was col- 
legiate. The congregation worshipped in two places, 
and in those the two pastors preached alternately. Each 
of these congregations, of course, on the death of one of 
the pastors, and till the settlement of another, would be 
deprived of half the supply of the public and regular 
preaching of the gospel ; or else, a portion of ministerial 
labour was to be taken from one, at the expense of the 
other. The Northern Liberties of the ciiy contained 
one of these congregations, which was yet in an infant 
and very feeble state, and had contributed, and could 
contribute, but httle to the support of the gospel. It was 
therefore made a question, on the death of Dr. Sproat, 
whether the attempt to establish a Presbyterian chmrch 
in that place, aiid at that time, ought not to be abandoned. 
This idea was resisted by the remaining pastor ; but it 
seemed neither practicable nor proper to resist the opin- 
ion, that his services should be chiefly, and almost wholly, 
given to that congregation which was fourfold the more 
numerous of the two, and from which nearly the whole 
pecuniary expenses of the collegiate church had been, 
and was still to be defrayed. The remaining pastor, who 
was the present writer, and who must now speak of him- 
self and his agency much more frequently than he could 
wish, gave as much attention as he could to the feeble 
congregation; but it was without a regular supply for 
six years in succession. It was mournful and embarrass- 
ing to witness this destitution ; and to hear applications 
for rehgious instruction which could not be complied 
with. To afford some relief, the pastor resolved, that, 
in addition to the occasional services which he might be 
able to render to this part of his charge, (for such he still 
considered it,) he would open a w^eekly meeting for re- 
ligious exercises, on the evening of the Lord's day, and 
commit the conducting of it, subject to some general di- 
rections from himself, to Mr. Eastburn. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 35 

The plan for the exercises of this meeting was as fol- 
lows : — The children and youth of the congregation were 
to be the principal objects of attention. They were to 
come together in a large school-room, to repeat to Mr. 
E. the Westminster Shorter Catechism, with the hymns 
and forms of devotion prepared for children by Dr. Watts 
— the forms of devotion somewhat modified, and reprinted 
in a primer-like form, for the occasion. The parents of 
the children were invited, and any others who chose were 
permitted, to attend at these meetings ; and after prayer 
and singing, the children were to repeat their catechism, 
hymns, and prayers, to Mr. E. and he was then to make 
such explanatory remarks on the catechism as he thought 
proper, and to address, first and principally to the chil- 
dren, and then to their parents and other attendants, such 
exhortations of a practical nature, as he judged would be 
for edification. These exercises were to be followed by- 
prayer, and to be concluded with singing a hymn or 
psalm, with the doxology. Such was the plan adopted 
by the pastor — adopted without consultation with others, 
and for which, if he deserved the blame to which a few 
of his ministerial brethren saw fit to subject him, it cannot 
be denied that it belonged to him exclusively. The se- 
quel will show that it did lead to some abuse ; but that 
this abuse was speedily and completely corrected ; and 
the issue was unquestionably of the most salutary kind. 
Certain it is, that the pastor was entitled to no praise or 
commendation whatsoever, for being, as he undoubtedly^ 
was, the chief instrument of introducing Mr. E. to the 
wide field of usefulness which he afterwards entered ; for 
there was not, at that time, in the mind of the pastor, any 
conception that such a result would be produced. He 
had no expectation that Mr. E. would do more, or go 
farther, than teach the children and youth, and exhort 
and pray with them and their parents, agreeably to the 
plan that has been specified ; and he supposed that even 
this would be no more than a temporary measure. In a 
word, all that ensued was unforeseen and unexpected, 
and the pastor only acted on the several emergencies 
which subsequently occurred, as his sense of duty dic- 
tated at the time. 

J)2 



,56 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

The original plan appeared evidently to be attended 
with a divine blessing. Since the writing of these me- 
moirs was commenced, word has been sent to the writer, 
that one or more Christians of distinction trace their con- 
version to the instructions, and exhortations, and prayers, 
which, in youth, they heard from Mr. Eastburn, in the 
school-house at Campington. The pastor attended these 
meetings on a few occasions at the first, to afford his 
countenance and aid in executing the plan he had devised. 
He finds in his diary for January 31st, 1796, the follow- 
ing entry : — " In the evening I went and drank tea at 
Mr. Eastburn's, and went with him to the society at 
Campington. The people were very solemn, and the 
children appeared to be much affected." This was no 
peculiar occurrence — it was only a single instance of 
what was usually, and almost uniformly, witnessed at 
these interesting meetings. So interesting, indeed, they 
soon became, that the school-house would not contain the 
numbers of which they were composed, and they were 
therefore transferred from that house to the church. 

It was natural for Mr. E. when he found a crowd of 
attentive listeners at these meetings, originally intended 
chiefly for children and youth, to make his address to the 
adult part of his audience longer and more particular than 
he did, or perhaps ever thought of doing, at the first. 
Many of his hearers, moreover, had no regular connexion 
with any religious society: some of them seldom, if ever, 
attended any other place of worship, and were not only 
extremely ignorant of the fundamental doctrines of the 
gospel, but, till now, utterly careless, in the matter of 
their soul's salvation. On seeing a crowd of this descrip- 
tion, attentive and serious, who could censure him for 
extending his address to them, into a discourse, equal to 
a sermon in length ? But his error was, and it must not 
be disguised, that he gradually dimmished his attention 
to the youthful part of his audience, till at length he 
almost, or altogether, passed them by, took a text, and 
made as regular a discourse as he was capable of, to the 
promiscuous assembly which filled the small church in 
which his addresses were made. It was at that time, 
and it still is, the conviction of the writer, that Mr. E. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 37 

would probably have done more good, had he adhered 
to the original plan, with no other change than a length- 
ening of the concluding address; instead of sutfering that 
address gradually to supplant the catechetical instruction, 
and special pious admonition of the young. 

This change of plan, which was made, and for some 
time continued, without the knowledge or suspicion of 
the pastor of the church, was, when he became acquaint- 
ed with it, the cause of considerable uneasiness. It was 
also disapproved by the most discreet and judicious mem- 
bers of the congregation ; but it was extremely popular 
in the neighborhood of the Carnpington church, and with 
some others who resorted to it statedly, on the evening 
of the sabbath. The writer recollects, and indeed has 
found the time noted in his diary, that with a view to 
ascertain from personal observation, whether, besides 
their irregularity, there was any thing exceptionable in 
the addresses of Mr. E., he attended one of these meet- 
ings, and took care to mingle with the crowd, in such a 
manner as not to be observed. The experiment satisfied 
him fully, that the discourses of Mr. E., although in a 
measure immethodical and unconnected, were still sound 
in doctrine, and well calculated to benefit his hearers. 
Under this conviction, and considering the destitute state 
of the people, and the influence which Mr. E. had over 
them, no interference was attempted — it was believed to 
be not only injudicious, but, in the circumstances of the 
case, absolutely inconsistent with Christian duty. It was 
also expected, that when an additional pastor of the col- 
legiate church should be chosen, which was then believed 
to be near at hand, and which shortly after took place in 
fact, these irregular exercises would, in that place at 
least, be terminated as a matter of course. 



( 38 ) 



CHAPTER IV. 

Unhappy consequences of Mr. Easthurn''s acting as a cate- 
chist and exhorter without a regular designation ; the 
manner in which the evil was arrested y Mr. jE.V ex- 
amination and qualified licensure by the Presbytery of 
Philadelphia. 

In an early part of the summer of 1799, a collegiate 
pastor of the church to which Mr. Eastburn belonged, 
was ordained ; and public worship was, in consequence, 
regularly celebrated, twice on the sabbath — at Camping- 
ton, as well as in the associated church in the city. The 
urgency, therefore, which had led to Mr. E.'s employ- 
ment as a catechist and an exhorter, was now terminated. 
But his labors had been so acceptable, and so evidently 
blessed, that he thought he ought not to discontinue them; 
and for the same reason, his pastors were reluctant to 
attempt to lay him under any restriction. He therefore 
continued, for nearly six years, to exhort on the evenings 
of the Lord's day and at some other times, both in the 
Northern Liberties of the city and in several other places. 
Toward the latter part of this period, the ill effects of 
Mr. E.'s appearing as a public teacher, without any regu- 
lar call or appointment to such an office, became pain- 
fully manifest. Several individuals, utterly unqualified 
to teach and admonish others, became exhorters and 
leaders in religious meetings ; and considered themselves 
entitled to assume these characters, in consequence of 
being able to plead the example of Mr. E. The evil 
was increasing, and the embarrassment it occasioned to 
the pastors of the church to which these unauthorized 
teachers chiefly belonged, was not small. To endeavor 
to arrest the evil by an explicit prohibition, would, it 
was thought, hazard the peace of the congregation ; and 
to suffer it to proceed, seemed inconsistent with a faith- 
ful discharge of duty. In these circumstances the ir- 
regularity was corrected, in a manner which the writer 
of these memoirs has always considered as peculiarly 
providential, and as laying him under special obligation 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 39 

to divine grace and goodness. The facts were as fol- 
lows — The writer had been so occupied in the course 
of a certain week, that Saturday had arrived, without 
his having even selected a text for a discourse on the 
following day. On opening the New Testament with a 
view to such a selection, one of the first passages that 
met his eye, was Gal. vi. 3 — "For if a man think him- 
self to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth 
himself." The determination was immediately formed 
to discourse on these words, and to show how, in re- 
ligious concerns, this text is verified, in a variety of in- 
stances. Five such instances occurred, and were rapidly 
minuted down, before the connexion of the text was care- 
fully examined, or a commentator consulted. On look- 
ing into Doddridge, it appeared that, in his opinion, the 
words were specially intended as "a caution against 
vain-glory and an overweening opinion of ourselves ;" 
and in a note he states it to be the opinion of Mr. Locke, 
that the following verse has a particular reference to 
false teachers. This immediately suggested that a sixth 
particular might consist, in an application of the text to 
those who take on themselves the office of public teachers 
of religion, without either qualifications for, or call to 
such an office. But it was speedily resolved to omit 
this, lest, in the particular circumstances of the congre- 
gation, the contemplated application might appear to be 
too pointed, and thus be productive of disturbance. To 
this resolution, however, the pastor, on a little reflection, 
found he could not adhere. The words — " not handling 
the word of God deceitfully," flashed on his mind, with 
a force which almost made him tremble. He saw that 
if the text he had chosen rendered the particular in ques- 
tion peculiarly applicable to his charge, this was so far 
from furnishing a reason for the omission of that particu- 
lar, that it formed an imperious demand that it should be 
retained, and be distiiiCtly and prominently presented. 
It was accordingly retairied, and made the last of the se- 
ries. The effect was salutary beyond all expectation. 
The impression produced by this discourse was power- 
ful, and yet, so far as was ever known to the pastor, not 
offensive. The unqualified exhorters never again, it is 



40 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

believed, attempted to speak in public. But on the 
Wednesday morning following, Mr. Eastburn came to his 
pastor, and in a long conversation opened his mind freely. 
He said that the sermon he had heard on the sabbath, 
had deprived him of sleep, and had led him to close self- 
examination. He appeared to be particularly distressed 
with the apprehension, that he had been " thinking him- 
self to be something, while he was nothing." Such, he 
was told in reply, was not the estimate made of him by 
the preacher, either when the sermon was delivered, or 
at any other time ; but on the contrary, that he was be- 
lieved to be quahfied to do good, and that he had done 
good, by taking the lead in social exercises of religion ; 
still that it should be our care to do good in such a way 
as not to do harm at the same time ; and that he could 
not but be sensible that his example had furnished a 
plausible pretext, for some who were wholly unfit to dis- 
course publicly to others on the great doctrines of the 
word of God, to assume the awful responsibility of doing 
it. The result was, that he threw himself entirely on 
his pastor to direct him how to act ; and was promised 
that his case should receive the most serious and de- 
liberate consideration. This conversation, which lasted 
from early in the morning till one o'clock, took place, as 
appears from the writer's diary, on the 12th of Decem- 
ber, 1804, and the writer has often looked back to the 
circumstances which led to it, and the consequences 
which followed it, as furnishing for him a subject for 
humble gratitude to God — gratitude that he was, with- 
out plan or design on his part, in a sort compelled to do 
that which not only arrested the progress of evil, but 
opened the way for the eminent and extensive usefulness 
of the holy man whose memoirs he is now writing. 

It was so ordered in providence, that about four years 
before the occurrence just stated, a plan had been devis- 
ed for providing a chaplain, of the Presbyterian denomi- 
nation, for the jail, hospital, and bettering-house of the 
city of Philadelphia. This plan, with some considera- 
tions urging its adoption, had been printed in a pamphlet 
form, and distributed among those who, it was supposed, 
were likelv to favor it and render it effective. But no 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 41 

suitable candidate for the deficiency could be named, 
and hence the whole plan met with opposition from 
some, and with indifference from many; and the present 
WTiter, by whom it had been drawn up, had already con- 
sidered his attempt as finally abortive, when he found 
himself pledged to consider the case of Mr. Eastburn, 
and advise him as to the course he ought to pursue. It 
did not require much meditation to think of him as a fit 
person, and in some respects the fittest that could be 
found, to act as a chaplain to the public and charitable in- 
stitutions which have been mentioned. The management 
of those institutions was much in the hands and under the 
influence of the Friends or Quakers; and with them the 
very circumstance that Mr. E. was not a regular clergy- 
man of the Presbyterian church, would render his stated 
access to these establishments more easy and acceptable, 
than if he had been clothed with the regular clerical 
character. With others, also, who had been hostile or 
indifferent to the plan first proposed, Mr. E. was highly 
popular ; and that he was admirably qualified to perform 
the duties of a chaplain to those who were in a state of 
suffering, whether through misfortune or crime, was ad- 
mitted by all. After, therefore, consulting with a num- 
ber of his friends, and finding that Mr. E. was cordially 
willing to accept of the appointment contemplated, the 
writer determined to endeavor to obtain in his behalf, 
from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, a designation to the 
duties of a chaplaincy ; with a license also, to exhort and 
pray with Christian assemblies generally, as opportunity 
might offer. Accordingly, the memorial recited in the 
minute of the Presbytery, which will presently appear, 
was drawn up, and subscribed by a number of influential 
individuals. During the interval between Dec. 12th, 
1804, and May, 1805, the impression of the writer is (but 
without a distinct recollection) that Mr. E. did not often, 
if ever, address promiscuous assembhes; but confined him- 
self chiefly to taking a leading part in meetings for prayer 
and religious conference, to the visitation of the sick, and 
to conversations with individuals whose minds were se- 
riously exercised in regard to their spiritual state. 
The following extract from the minutes of the Presby- 



42 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

tery of Philadelphia, will sufficiently explain the whole 
process by which Mr. E. was regularly authorized to per- 
form the duties of a religious teacher, the conditions and 
limitations under which the authority was granted, and 
the examination to which he was subjected when the grant 
was made. The Presbytery was remarkably harmonious 
in all the discussions which took place at the time, and 
entirely unanimous in the result. — A venerable member, 
now deceased, remarked to the writer, after the adjourn- 
ment, that he thought a divine influence had most sensibly 
pervaded the judicature of the church on this interesting 
occasion. 



" At a meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, May 
the 14th, 1805— 

" Present Drs. Green and Blair ; Messrs. Irwin, Daven- 
port, Russel, Milledoler, Latta, Boyd, Potts, and Jane- 
w^ay, ministers. 

"A memorial signed by a number of members of 
several Presbyterian congregations in Philadelphia, was 
brought in, read, and is as follows — 

" ' To the Reverend Presbytery of Philadelphia. 

" ' We the undernamed inhabitants of Philadelphia and 
the liberties thereof, beg leave to lay before Presbytery 
the following memorial, viz. 

u I yJq represent that the circumstances of those who 
are confined in the Bettering-Hoiise, Gaol, and Hospital 
of the City of Philadelphia, in being deprived of the in- 
structions and consolations of religion, are calculated 
deeply to affect the minds of those who suitably estimate 
the value of evangelical truth, and know the worth of 
immortal souls. Influenced by the consideration of these 
circumstances, a number of the muiisters and other mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian churches in Philadelphia, did, 
about four years since, devise and endeavor to execute, 
a plan for committing to a regular Presbyterian minister, 
the charge of the unhappy people in the public establish- 
ments mentioned. This plan is herewith submitted to the 
Presbytery, that our views and designs, and the reason 
which in our opinion justify them, may the more distinctly 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBtRN. 43 

appear. For though we do not propose exactly to adopt 
the plan which is exhibited in the printed pamphlet, yet 
the considerations by which it is supported, are those 
which still influence us. — But we beg leave to remark, 
that the plan, thus exhibited to the Presbytery, was not 
carried into effect at the time it was devised and printed, 
principally because a suitable and popular candidate, for 
taking the charge of the establishments in question, could 
not be held up to those who were requested to subscribe 
for his support; and till the present hour the whole busi- 
ness has been suspended, for this reason. In the mean 
time the ministers and members of various religious de- 
nominations have occasionally visited the Bettering-House 
and the Gaol, and spoken to the people who are there 
confined. Among those who have performed these acts 
of religious charity, none has been so assiduous as Mr. 
Joseph Eastburn, a member in full communion with the 
2d Presbyterian congregation of this city, and none, we 
truly think, could be more acceptable or useful than he. 
We do, therefore, with all deference to the reverend 
Presbytery, respectfully submit it to their very serious 
consideration, whether it might not be highly advanta- 
geous to the interests of religion, if the said Mr. Eastburn 
should be by them appointed a catechist or evangelist, 
for the express purpose of taking the charge, under their 
direction, of the Bettering-House, Hospital, and Gaol of 
this city ; with permission, also, as occasional opportuni- 
ties might offer, of speaking to others on the great sub- 
jects of religion. It is, no doubt, well known to the Pres- 
bytery, as it is to the undersigned, that Mr. Eastburn has 
been, for some years, in the practice of exhorting smaller 
or larger assemblies of the people on the concerns of their 
souls, and that his labours have been very acceptable to 
many. If he should receive authority from the Presby- 
tery to continue this practice, with the special designa- 
tion of the public institutions mentioned, as his particu- 
lar charge, and under the control of the Presbytery, 
would it not rather prevent, than become a precedent for, 
the violation of the established order of our church ? 
Could it be pleaded as a precedent for introducing men 
into the ministry, indiscriminately, without those literary 
E 



44 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

qualifications, or that regular process of trial, usually de- 
manded ? Would it not rather be analogous to what other 
Presbyteries have lately done, and the General Assembly 
approved? This we fully submit to the wisdom of the 
Presbytery ; being ourselves sincerely attached to the 
excellent order established on this subject generally, by 
the constitution of our church. We have, on the whole, 
nothing further to add, but that we know that Mr. East- 
burn is so well esteemed in the city, that the appointment 
we suggest would immediately render practicable the 
plan for supplying the institutions in question with regular 
religious instruction and visitation ; that his acceptance 
among other denominations is such, that he would be 
likely to obtain their countenance and approbation in 
this work ; that the very circumstance of his not being 
a regularly ordained clergyman of our church, would of 
itself facilitate his entrance into the institutions contem- 
plated ; and that if Presbytery, as we hope may be the 
case, shall find their way clear to authorize him to take 
the charge of these establishments, we the undersigned 
are ready to use our endeavors to obtain for him such a 
salary as may enable him to devote his time to this im- 
portant work.' 

'Philadelphia, May, 1805.' 

" This memorial was made the subject of much dehb- 
eration, inquiry, and discussion. — In the course of which 
it appeared, that Mr. Eastburn, to whom the memorial 
refers, has received baptism for himself in adult age, 
though he had been baptized in infancy ; and was still 
disposed to consider infant baptism in a different light 
from that in which it is viewed by our church, though he 
has always remained in communion with that church, and 
shown no disposition to urge his peculiar sentiments on 
others. On the whole, after a careful consideration of the 
case, the Presbytery, feeling most sensibly the importance 
of providing for the religious instruction and assistance 
of the unhappy persons confined in the places mentioned 
in the memorial, and desirous at the same time to do no- 
thing contrary to the principles and usage of the Presby- 
terian church, determined to specify distinctly the condi- 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 45 

tions on which they would agree to take Mr. Eastburn 
under their patronage. These conditions were the 
following — 

" 1. That he adopt the Confession of Faith, catechisms, 
government, and discipline of the Presbyterian church, 
(the article of baptism alone excepted) and agree to walk 
by them as the rule of his faith and practice. 

" 2. That he be willing to engage, and do engage, that 
on the subject of baptism (retaining his own sentiments) 
he will leave those with whom he may have intercourse, 
in the undisturbed possession of their creed and opinions ; 
and that whenever applications shall be made to him in 
regard to baptism, he will direct the applicants to some 
regularly ordained minister. 

" 3. That in receiving from this Presbytery authority to 
teach, he do not consider himself a candidate for the pas* 
toral office. 

" 4. That he agree to submit, in the discharge of his 
duty, to the directions that shall from time to time be 
given him by Presbytery. 

" 5. That the authority to teach which may be confer- 
red, shall cease whenever the Presbytery, or Mr. East- 
burn, shall judge its continuance to be no longer ex- 
pedient. 

" 6. That in the execution of the trust that may be con- 
ferred by Presbytery, it be understood that he will in all 
respects endeavor to avoid giving offence, by taking 
care not to violate unnecessarily the sentiments and 
opinions of those among whom he may be called to la- 
bor, and by the exercise of an exemplary humility, pru- 
dence, and condescension. 

" Mr. Eastburn was then introduced to the Presbytery, 
and the above conditions were twice read, and he fully 
agreed to each and all of them as reasonable and proper, 
and as forming the system by which he would act in the 
execution of the trust which the Presbytery might com- 
mit to him, in consequence of the prayer of the memorial. 

" Presbytery then conversed with Mr. Eastburn on his 
experimental acquaintance with religion, and questioned 
him on some of the leading truths and doctrines of the 



46 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN, 

Christian system, and having obtained entire satisfaction 
on these subjects, came to the following resolution, viz. 

" Resolved, That Mr. Joseph Eastburn be, and he is 
hereby authorized, to explain and discourse on the sacred 
scriptures, to catechise and exhort in the Gaol, Aims- 
House, and Hospital, of the city of Philadelphia, and also, 
as occasional opportunities may offer, to speak to collec- 
tions of people in other places, on the concerns of their 
souls. 

" Ordered, that the stated clerk furnish Mr. Eastburn 
with an attested copy of the preceding memorial, and of 
the subsequent proceedings of Presbytery relative to him. 

" Extract from the Minutes of the Presbytery of Phila- 
delphia. 

" George C. Potts, Stated Clerk:' 



CHAPTER V 

His license entirely/ satisfactory to himself — his fidelity 
and success in the Hospital, Alms-House, and Prison of 
Philadelphia — his labors, various and incessant, and 
acceptable to different denominations — he is principally 
instrumental in forming a congregation — death of his 
wife, and entire relinquishment of his mechanical busi- 
ness — becomes stated preacher to the Mariners. 

The resolution of the Presbytery of Philadelphia al- 
ready recited, formed the license, or conveyed the eccle- 
siastical authority, under which Mr. Eastburn performed 
his ministerial services to the end of his life, a period of 
about four-and-twenty years. The conditions on which 
he accepted the office of a religious teacher, imposed on 
him no irksome restraint; for it is believed they were not 
different from those which he would have chosen, if the 
choice had been wholly left to himself. It is not known 
that he ever desired to sustain the pastoral relation, or to 
administer the sacraments, or to share in the government 
of the church, or to change the sentiments of an indivi- 



MEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 47 

dual on the subject of baptism. To proclaim the mes- 
sages of salvation — to impress the momentous truths of 
the gospel on the hearts and consciences of careless sin- 
ners, to guide inquiring souls to the Saviour, and to edify 
the people of God by private, as well as by public dis- 
course, appears to have comprised all that he wished, and 
all for which he considered himself as qualified ; and as 
this was a field of usefulness as ample as he probably had 
any inclination to enter, so it is certain that in this he la- 
bored with a most exemplary diligence, and a most un- 
usual success. 

His first special designation was to those who were 
confined in the three public establishments which are 
mentioned in the memorial presented to the Presbytery ; 
and the assiduity and tenderness could scarcely be ex- 
ceeded, with which he endeavored by every mean in his 
power to promote the spiritual welfare of these children 
of poverty, misfortune, or crime. He visited them often ; 
he instructed and counselled them ; he reproved some 
and encouraged others ; he was found at the bedside of 
the sick, the maimed, and the dying; he sympathized with 
all, and as frequently and fully as opportunity would per- 
mit, he united with them in social worship, and preached 
to them with zeal and fidelity. All this will best appear 
from some of his own statements. 

The following connected narratives were found among 
his manuscripts. 

" I am requested to keep in writing the case of a 
woman that had been confined in one of the cells of the 
Pennsylvania Hospital — which is as follows. As I was 
passing the place, I heard the most plaintive voice, crying 
' Oh ! my burden is too heavy for me to bear! My sins are 
too great to be forgiven.' I called aloud to her — 'if your 
burden is ever so heavy, Jesus invites you to come to 
him, and he will give you rest; and if your sins are ever 
so great, he can freely pardon them all.' She immediately 
called me by name, and desired me to open the door 
(which I could not do) but inquired where she had known 
me. She said it was when I kept meeting in the Northern 
Liberties, and had many children about me — that she 
was one of them, and that those were her happy days. 
E 2 



48 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

She said if she had only gone on to serve the Lord as 
she did then, she might have been happy. But she did 
not — and now she was shut up in that dismal place. My 
mind was much affected to hear the poor creature thus 
exclaim ; but shortly after, she made her escape at mid- 
night, and went to her home. I visited her there, and 
found her mind more composed. But her friends did not like 
that any one should speak to her, or that she should go to 
any place of worship ; and if she did, they would shut her 
out of doors all night. But the Lord had pity on her, and 
called her to his blessed home, ' where the wicked cease 
from troubling, and where the weary are at rest.' When 
she was near her end, she sent for me, and with pleasure 
told me what the Lord had done for her soul. She had 
a full assurance of her eternal happiness, through a 
precious Saviour, and hoped to meet me in heaven. As I 
was then going a journey, I saw her no more — she died 
while I was away. 



The Lord can make the way-faring, though fools, wise 
to salvation. 

This has encouraged me to pay attention to the poor 
deranged people in the Hospital ; and I now record some 
things more which took place there. Going into a ward 
where many of them were together, an elderly gentleman 
who had been long there cried out — 'What, sir, are you 
come to preach to us again?' I rephed, 'Yes, sir, if you 
will please to come into another ward and hear — I have 
no authority to compel you.' 'But you have,' replied 
another. ' Does not your Lord and master command you 
to go out to the highways and hedges, and compel sinners 
to come to him?' I rephed, 'That is true, my friend, and 
will you come?' — 'I surely will,' said he: and many of 
them did attend worship at that time. I took for my text 
the words — 'Compel them to come in.' He who men- 
tioned them appeared much engaged, and entreated me 
to go to their ward again, which I did. He soon after re- 
covered his use of reason, and was set at liberty. 

At another time, some of the doctors wished to see 
what effect it might have upon some that were quite bad, 
to bring them in. A number were accordingly brought 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 49 

and placed before me — one with his hat covered with 
dirty feathers, which he had picked up. Some of them 
appeared very uneasy, and kept stamping and looking 
very wild at me and others — one figuring in the sand on 
the floor, and then looking at me, as though he were 
taking a likeness. This drew the attention of the people 
who were in their senses, so much, that I thought our 
meeting would be broken up. I tried to keep my mind 
composed, and to beg the Lord to direct me what to do. 
I thought it would be best to surprise them ; and I jumped 
up suddenly before them, and called upon them to attend, 
telling them we had come there to worship Him that 
made us, and had given us our reason at first, and could 
restore it to those who had lost it; that we did not know 
what he might do for us, if we should sincerely pray; and 
now, said I, if you will be quite still, we will endeavor 
to pray. They saw me go upon my knees, and to the 
surprise of all, they immediately kneeled down, and 
the feathered hat was thrown aside. After prayer, they 
all rose and sat down, looking earnestly at me, and re- 
mained quiet until all were dismissed. Some time after, 
the steward, Mr. Francis Higgins, desired to know if I 
would be willing he should bring a man out of a cell into 
the meeting. I told him, if he could be kept in order I 
was willing. He then brought him — a very large man. 
I went up to him and welcomed him to take a seat. They 
then brought another, very bad, and put this man by the 
side of the first — The second man began to shuffle and 
make a noise, on which the first seized him fast by his 
knees, and told him he must be perfectly still there, and 
kept him in order all the time of worship, and did not 
move himself, except when I was speaking of what the 
blessed Saviour had done for poor sinners — how many 
dreadful cases he had relieved — he then clasped the other 
round the neck, as if he wished they might be benefited 
also ; and after worship went quietly to his cell again. 

A woman called at my house, desiring I would speak 
to a friend of hers, confined in one of the cells. I inquired 
for her, and was told she was so unreasonable it would 
be in vain to say any thing to her. I observed 1 would 
wish to comply with the request of my friend. They 



50 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

then went and put some decent clothes on her, and in- 
vited me to go in. She cried out — ' I do not know that 
man.' True, said I, but you know such a lady. She, I 
said, desired me to come and see you. She then began to 
measure the shawl they had put on her with her knuckles, 
as fast as she could. Why, said 1, do you that? 'I must, 
I must,' was the answer, 'for I am a great sinner.' So am 
I, was the reply, but I am come to tell you about a great 
Saviour, who is able to save you and me. She then stop- 
ped, and sat as still as was possible for any one to do, and 
listened to all that I said without uttering another word. 
In a short time after she came to herself, so far as to leave 
the Hospital, and took lodgings for herself; and then de- 
sired to see me. I found her composed and solemn. She 
desired me to pray and return thanks with her; and when 
she rose up to go to prayer, she lifted up her hands and 
said — 'O Lord, help me to unite with thy servant now 
in prayer,' and then fell upon her knees. 

Dr. Rush desired me to visit a patient of his, also, in 
one of the cells. The gentleman was much distressed, and 
complained that he was worse than a brute ; that he could 
not act as a rational creature; that when he eat he was 
so ravenous that he was shocked at himself — he was very 
melancholy. Visiting him on a Sabbath day, he inquired 
if I was not about to have worship in some part of the 
Hospital. I told him I was. He requested to attend with 
us. The steward observed, it was contrary to his orders 
to let him come out of his cell. The gentleman said, if 
Dr. Rush was there, he would let him come. At that 
very instant, unexpectedly to him or any of us, the doc- 
tor appeared, passing the cell door. He called out, 'Oh, 
Doctor, shall I not be permitted to go to meeting here?' 
Certainly, replied the doctor. He appeared overjoyed, 
and attended with great apparent devotion ; and after- 
ward entreated me to go back with him to his place, 
which I did, and often tried to encourage him. He had 
not been allowed any book before, but now earnestly 
desired to have a Bible, which was allowed him. But 
his constitution was very weak, and he gradually declined 
in body, until nature sunk. He was not able, as far as I 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 51 

could find, to say any thing about the state of his mind, 
until death closed the scene. 

Doctor Rush also desired me to visit a Doctor, who 
had come from the West Indies in a consumption, seeking 
the advice of physicians, and to try a change of climate. 
But he was very fast sinking under the disease. He had 
a room furnished in the Hospital, and every attention pos- 
sible paid to him. I went with one of the managers to see 
him, and told him Dr. Rush had desired me to come, and 
what was my errand. He received me politely, but said 
but little. I endeavored to improve the time to the best 
of my knowledge, and hope I was directed by the blessed 
Spirit to a word in season. I urged the necessity of prayer 
to the Lord, who alone could help him ; and desired to 
know if he would have me to pray v^^ith him. He seemed 
rather to consent, than to ask it. But in time of prayer, 
his mind was filled with wonderful joy ; and when I rose, 
he clasped me with both hands, and said it was the hap- 
piest visit to him that ever he Iiad ; and that he was un- 
der great obligations to Doctor Rush for many favors, but 
none was so great as sending me to visit him at that time ; 
and he desired me to come again. But in a few hours 
after, on the same day, he expired. The manager, who 
was of the Friends' society, was so much pleased with 
what he beheld, that he wrote me a permit to visit the 
Hospital when I pleased, and gave orders to the steward 
and gate-keeper to admit me at any time — which opened 
the way for my holding worship there ; and he and other 
of the managers have often attended the meetings and 
countenanced them.'^ 

It appears that, beside the foregoing narratives, Mr. East- 
burn kept a regular journal of the religious services he 
performed, from the time of his licensure till he was con- 
fined to his house by his last sickness. If the whole of this 
journal were published, it would exhibit a very extra- 
ordinary series of labor and self-denial, through which 
this excellent man passed, in the service of his divine 
Master, and for the salvation of sinners of all descriptions 
— but especially for those for whom others had not suffi- 
ciently cared. 



i2 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN, 

From this journal a considerable number of extracts 
will be made. Previously to this, however, it may be 
proper to remark, that for the two or three years imme- 
diately succeeding his licensure, his services on the Sab- 
bath were almost wholly confined to the three public in- 
stitutions, already repeatedly mentioned. But after the 
lapse of about that period, he requested of the Presbytery 
that his attention might not be so strictly confined as it 
had been, to those institutions — observing, that the scenes 
which he constantly witnessed there were so gloomy, that 
he found it difficult to keep them from having a depress- 
ing influence on his spirits. His request was readily grant- 
ed ; and indeed from that date till his death, he was left 
very much at discretion, in the employment of his time.* 
He never failed, it is beheved, to make a distinct report 
to the Presbytery, at least once a year, of the manner in 
which he had employed his time ; and these reports were 
invariably approved — In a few instances, he was appoint- 
ed by the Presbytery, either to perform some missionary 
services, at no great distance from the city of Philadelphia, 
or to preach in vacant congregations ; but in general it 
was left to his own sense of duty, to choose where and 
when his services should be rendered. He never ceased 

* The following extracts from the minutes of the Philadelphia 
Presbytery, found among Mr. E.'s papers, afford a specimen of the 
records usually made in nis case. 

" April 20th, 1808. — The Presbytery received from Mr. Eastburn 
an account of the manner in which he had fulfilled his appoint- 
ments, since the last stated meeting in the Spring, and approved 
his fidelity. 

"On motion, resolved, that it be left at the discretion of Mr. 
Eastburn, as he shall judge it expedient, to employ less of his time 
in the public institutions of the city of Philadelphia, and more in the 
places in its vicinity, which are destitute of the regular preaching 
of the gospel." 

"April 19th, 1809. — Mr. Joseph Eastburn made a report with 
respect to the discharge of his duties ; which being accepted, he was 
directed to continue to act under his former instructions." 

" April 19th, 1810. — The Presbytery received, and approved the 
report of Mr. Eastburn, and directed him to employ his time till our 
next stated meeting, agreeably to his instructions received at the 
last Spring Sessions." 

Truly extracted from the records of the Presbyteiy of Phila- 
delphia. 

James P. Wilson, 
Stated Clerk for the year 1810. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 53 

to visit and preach to the inmates of the prison, alms- 
house and hospital. The whole change consisted in 
giving enlargement to the circle of his labors : and there 
can be no doubt that this was not only conducive to his 
health and happiness, but also to the extension of his 
usefulness. It should likewise be remarked, that till the 
death of his wife, he never gave up his mechanical busi- 
ness; and, as will appear from his journal, he was some- 
times called to work at a coffin on one part of the Lord's 
day, and to preach on another part of the same. But in 
no manual labor, which was not clearly the demand of 
necessity or mercy, would any earthly inducement have 
tempted him to have any concern, on the day of sacred 
rest. Yet when such a demand was clearly made, he 
showed that he was superior to all superstitious feelings : 
and those who knew him best, had not a doubt that not 
only on the Sabbath, but on other days also, his medita- 
tions were much of the things of God and heaven, while 
his hands were diligently employed in the use of his 
mechanical implements. 

The following extracts from his journal will show the 
nature, extent, and variety of his engagements, during the 
whole period which elapsed between his licensure, and 
his becoming stated preacher to the mariners — The 
reader will remark how acceptable his services appear 
to have been, to almost every denomination of Protestant 
Christians. 

1 808. — Continued at the alms-house, jail, and hospital, 
to the end of the month of April. 

1st Sabbath in May, held worship at the village called 
the Rising Sun, in the forenoon ; and at the alms-house 
in the afternoon. At the former the people attended de- 
cently, and some young people appeared to be affected. 

2d Sabbath — Held worship at the hospital in the morn- 
ing, and at a school-house in Buck-lane, below the city, 
in the afternoon. Had a very orderly company — collect- 
ed a number of boys from their amusements, who also 
attended. In the evening attended a society in the North- 
ern Liberties. 

3d Sabbath — Held worship in the morning over the 



54 MEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

Delaware, at Camden. But few attended, but they were 
desirous of having the worship continued. In the after- 
noon, attended at the bettering-house, and in the even- 
ing in the Northern Liberties. 

4th Sabbath — Attended the communion in the Second 
Presbyterian Church in the morning, and preached at the 
prison in the afternoon, and at a society in the west part 
of the city in the evening : — ^poorly attended, and some 
boys were very unruly. 

5th Sabbath — At the hospital in the morning : attend- 
ed Mr. Welch, from Connecticut, to the prison in the 
afternoon. He spoke to the prisoners and visited the sick, 
and I assisted him. In the evening attended public worship. 

1st Sabbath in June — Attended at the alms-house in 
the afternoon, and at Kensington in the evening ; and had 
a very large collection of people, who attended with 
great apparent solemnity. 

2d Sabbath — Prevented by heavy rain from attending 
out of the city-— assisted Dr. Green. In the evening be- 
gan to hold worship at Spring Garden, under very dis- 
couraging appearances — Collected some boards and fire- 
wood, to make seats for the people ; ai}d many attended 
out of curiosity, who were not in tlie habit of going to any 
place of worship. Some appeared affected, and several 
desired to have meeting there again. 

3d Sabbath — Held worship in the Pennsylvania hos- 
pital in the morning — at the new church in the Northern 
Liberties in the afternoon — and at Spring Garden at night. 
More attended than at first. 

4th Sabbath — Hurried in the morning with a coffin ; 
but went to Frankford and held worship there, both parts 
of the day. In the evening held worship at Kensington — 
people attentive. 

1st Sabbath in July — Held worship in the First Pres- 
byterian Church in the morning. Had to work ia the 
afternoon, and hindered at night from going to Spring 
Garden, by the sickness of my wife, and unwell myself 

2d Sabbath — My wife too sick too permit me to leave 
home and go out of the city — ^had to work at a coffin and 
attend a funeral. Gave an exhortation at the grave for 
Dr. Wilson's congregation. 



RIEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 6t> 

3d Sabbath — At the State prison in the morning — 
preached for Dr. Green in the afternoon ; but could not 
attend society in the evening, on account of my wife being 
very ill. 

Supplied for Dr. Green at the new church on Wednes- 
day evening; beside attending my own society on every 
Thursday evening. 

4th Sabbath in July — Had to work in the morning — 
heard Dr. Green — attended at the bettering-house in the 
afternoon, and spoke to the poor; visited the sick in the 
evening. 

5th Sabbath — Held worship at the Rising Sun in the 
morning ; and back of the city in the evening, at a school- 
house ; at both places the people attended decently and 
solemnly. 

1st Sabbath in August — Had to work, but attended 
worship, and spoke in the evening near the Schuylkill, in 
a school-house. 

2d Sabbath — Had to work in the morning before wor- 
ship ; but preached both parts of the day at Pine street 
church. 

3d Sabbath — Supplied for the Lutherans in the morn- 
ing, and attended the communion in Arch street. Assisted 
Dr. Green in the afternoon, and held a society at Spring 
Garden at night. Friday evening, spoke for Dr. Green in 
Arch street meeting. 

4th Sabbath — Held worship at Frankford both parts 
of the day. Was called upon to visit a dying son of Mr. 
Lesley's with the lock-jaw — he died in the evening. Sup- 
plied for Dr. Green in the week. 

October, 1st Sabbath — Was to preach in Arch street 
church, but obtained Mr. Kollock to perform the service. 
Had to make a large coffin, but attended a society in the 
evening. A number of families attended, who were be- 
ginning to perform family worship, and were addressed 
particularly on that subject. They appeared determined 
to go on, and look to the Lord for grace to help them. 

2d Sabbath in October — Obtained Dr. Keith to preach 
in Arch street church, and Dr. Blair in the north church, 
as Dr. Green was sick, and Mr. Janeway out of the city. 
I went to t^he bettering-house in the afternoon, and to 

F 



56 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

Spring Garden at night — had a crowded house, and many 
in the street — some very vain and careless. 

4th Sabbath — Preached in the north church in the 
morning, and gave an exhortation in the Methodist meet- 
ing in the evening, to a great congregation, who were 
very attentive. 

December, the 2d Sabbath — Preached in the morning 
at Spring Garden — in the afternoon at Zoar, a Methodist 
meeting, chiefly black people, but very attentive. 

1809, January, the 1st Sabbath — Preached in the 
morning at the hospital ; and in the evening at the Union 
Methodist meeting. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the morning at the prison, 
and visited the sick in both wings ; they were very atten- 
tive. In the evening preached at the black Methodist 
meeting, called Bethel, to a very large collection of peo- 
ple, white and black. 

February, 3d Sabbath — Attended the communion in 
the Second Presbyterian Church in the morning. Had 
to prepare a coffin in the afternoon, for a corpse to be 
sent out of the city. Attended at the Union Methodists' 
meeting in the evening. Concluded a prayer meeting, 
with an exhortation and prayer. 

4th Sabbath — Attended a funeral in the morning, and 
spoke to a large concourse of people, at Mr. Potts 's bury- 
ing-ground. Held worship at the Hospital, and attended 
another funeral. 

March, the 1st Sabbath — Preached for Mr. Janeway 
in the north church, in the morning, and for the Inde- 
pendents at the Tabernacle, in the evening. 

2d Sabbath in March — Preached a charity sermon in 
the morning at the Methodists' meeting in Kensington, 
by the request of a large society, for helping the poor in' 
that part. 

4th Sabbath — Preached in the afternoon at the First 
Presbyterian Church, Dr. Wilson being unwell ; and in 
the evening opened a new place for worship, south-west 
of the city, built by Captain Moore and others, which 
was well attended. 

1st Sabbath in April — Preached in the morning in the 
Fourth Presbyterian Church — assisted Dr. Wilson in the 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 67 

afternoon, but was unable to go to the society at night, 
by reason of the rheumatism. 

3d Sabbath of April — At the prison in the morning — 
preached for Mr. Potts in the afternoon — and at a new 
school-house, built for the use of the Evangelical Society, 
in the evening, to a large collection of grown people and 
children. 

2d Sabbath, May — At the prison in the morning, and 
at the bettering-house in the afternoon. Delivered a 
funeral sermon on the death of a pious blind woman, 
who had been long there. 

3d Sabbath of June — Preached at the prison in the 
morning, and Spring Garden in the evening. The follow- 
ing week went abroad. Held worship at Trenton, on 
Wednesday evening ; Thursday and Friday evenings at 
Brunswick. 

4th Sabbath, in New- York — Attended the Lord's Sup- 
per at Mr. Milledoler's church, and preached for him in 
the afternoon. Preached on my return, at Brunswick, 
and at Trenton. Arrived at home in time to attend my 
own society in the evening. Next evening supplied for 
Dr. Green at the Tabernacle. 

3d Sabbath of July — Mr. Flinn supplied in my place 
for Dr. Green. I then began to help the German Cal- 
vinists. Preached, morning and afternoon, for them in 
the Academy. 

4th Sabbath — Supplied for the Germans both parts of 
the day, and catechised their children. Visited a sick 
man at night. 

5th Sabbath — Supplied for the Germans both parts of 
the day, and catechised their children. The number 
increasing so much as to require assistance by some of 
their members. 

All August supplied for the Germans. 

September — Continued still to supply for the Germans, 
except when I obtained some one to take my place — I 
then went to the poor-house, prison, and hospital, through 
the months of September, October, and November. At 
the hospital, in September, there was a seaman, who had 
been hurt in his back, which turned to a mortification. 
He was under great concern about his soul ; and for some 



58 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

time declared he had no hope of his salvation. But within 
a few days of his death, he said he could believe in Jesus, 
and rest his soul on him. He desired to be baptized, and 
was so, by the Rev. Mr. Alexander, on his dying pillow. 
He attended worship next day, and in a few hours after 
expired. At the bettering-house some professed to be 
benefited. 

1st Sabbath in December — Preached at the hospital 
in the morning. A man deranged hung himself. His 
wife came, in time of worship, crying bitterly. Preached 
in the afternoon for the Germans, and exhorted at the 
Methodists' meeting at night. 

5th Sabbath in December, and last day of the year, 
iVIr. Burch having now come to the Germans, I attended 
at the prison in the morning, at the alms-house in the 
afternoon, and gave an exhortation in the evening at the 
Union Methodists' meeting, thus ending the year. 

1810 — Presbytery met, and I delivered my report, 
April 1 9th. They approved it, and directed me to con- 
tinue as I judged best. 

4th Sabbath of June — Preached at Abington in the 
morning. Dr. Tennent being sick — gave an exhortation 
at Frankford after Mr. Doke, on my way home. 

4th Sabbath, July — Preached at Germantown in the 
morning, and exhorted in the First Baptist Meeting in 
the evening. 

5th Sabbath — Attended a funeral in the morning — • 
opened a place for worship in the afternoon near Schuyl- 
kill, and preached to a small congregation. 

4th Sabbath, August — Preached morning and afternoon 
for the German Calvinists. An impostor offered his ser- 
vices to preach for them, and was detected. 

September, 1st Sabbath — Preached for Dr. Tennent 
at Abington, in the morning, and at Milestown, on my 
return, in the afternoon. 

2d Sabbath — Supplied the German Calvinists morning 
and afternoon, their minister being gone to North Caro- 
lina. 

5th Sabbath — Preached for Mr. Alexander in Pine 
street church; and for Dr. Green on Wednesday Evening, 
at the church Northern Liberties. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 59 

October, the 1st Sabbath — Preached for Mr. Janeway 
in the morning ; attended a funeral in the afternoon, and 
spent the remainder of the day and evening with my sick 
wife. 

2d Sabbath — Attended at the State prison in the morn- 
ing, exhorted and prayed with the prisoners, who were 
very attentive. In the afternoon preached to the poor 
in the alms-house, upon Simeon seeing the salvation of the 
Lord, and desiring to depart in peace. Luke ii. 29 and 30. 

5th Sabbath of December — Preached at the prison in 
the morning, and at the Free Quakers' meeting in the 
afternoon. We had a solemn and affecting time. Oh to 
be well prepared to end our time as we are now ending 
anotlier year ! The Lord pardon all defects and short- 
coming through it. 

2d Sabbath of April, 1811 — Preached at Kensington; 
gave in my report to Presbytery the 1 8th of April, which 
was accepted, and liberty given me to supply wherever 
the Lord in his providence may call me within their 
bounds. 

,5 June, 1st Sabbath — Preached in the Fourth Presbyte- 
rian Church in the morning for Mr. Potts. 

In the afternoon attended on my dying wife, until she 
expired, between 5 and 6 o'clock, to enter on her blessed 
sabbatli above. June 2d, 1811. 

2d Sabbath, June — Preached in Wilmington, morning 
and evening, for Dr. Reid and Mr. Henderson, and ex- 
horted in the afternoon for the latter. 

3d Sabbath — Preached in the Baptist meeting at Pen- 
nepack in the morning, and at the Fox Chase in the 
afternoon. 

5th Sabbath — Preached at Cape May, morning and 
afternoon. Monday dehvered a funeral sermon, and in 
the evening preached at Fishing Creek. Tuesday at 
Cape Island school-house. Wednesday evening at a 
private house. Friday evening at the court-house at 
Bridgetown. 

1st Sabbath in July — Preached at Pitsgrove in Jersey. 

2d Sabbath — Preached at Bond-brook, in East Jersey, 
both parts of the day, to a very attentive congregation. 
Attended and preached at Trenton on my wav, in a 
F2 



60 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

school-house, to a few people. Preached at Amboy and 
Brunswick. 

3d Sabbath — Preached at Washington, on South river, 
below Brunswick, both parts of the day, to a people who 
seldom have any to preach to them. 

4th Sabbath — At home; went to the prison in the 
morning ; preached at the bettering-house in the after- 
noon, and visited the sick there. 

2d Sabbath of October — Dr. Reid, of Wilmington, had 
sent for me to assist him at his communion. I went and 
spoke four times, and returned better in health than when 
I left home. 

1st Sabbath in November — Attended the communion 
in Northern Liberties; spoke for Mr. Burch in the even- 
ing. This week went to Columbia, and held meeting in 
a school-house, and both parts of the sabbath following, 
when the people attended well. Monday evening, spoke 
in the German church; next day went to Donegal, and 
spoke in the Presbyterian meeting. On Thursday, being 
the day recommended by the General Assembly to be 
kept for worship, I preached ; also at Maytown, in the 
German church, and at New-Haven on Susquehanna. 

3d Sabbath — Preached morning and afternoon in the 
Presbyterian meeting-house in Lancaster, and was treated 
m each place with more kind attention than I ever ex- 
perienced in any journey before, and found all safe at 
my home. Thanks be to my heavenly Father, for all 
these his tender mercies. 

1812, January, the 1 st Sabbath — Preached at the hos- 
pital, and visited in the different wards. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in Spring Garden to a very 
attentive society. 

3d Sabbath — Preached at the bettering-house. Was 
kindly received by the new steward, and all the orderly 
poor. Visited some of them that could not attend wor- 
ship. 

4th Sabbath — Attended the communion at the First 
Presbyterian Church, and preached in the afternoon for 
Dr. Wilson. Wednesday evening supplied for Dr. Green. 
Thursday attended a funeral at Kensington. Friday 
evening spoke in Southwark. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH BASTBURN. 6 1 

February, 1st Sabbath — Preached at the prison, and 
visited a number of sick confined there, who had com- 
fortable accommodations. 

Wednesday evening^Preached for Dr. Alexander in 
Pine street. 

Friday evening — Spoke at Mr. Burch's house prepara- 
tory to the communion. 

Saturday evening — Preached at Mr. Burch's meeting. 

4th Sabbath of Feb. — Preached in the prison, and 
visited the sick men confined there, but found very little 
appearance of repentance. In the evening, preached at 
Spring Garden to a very attentive people. 

2d Sabbath of April — Preached at Neshaminy, in the 
late Mr. Irwin's congregation; in the meeting-house in 
the morning, and at Mr. Samuel Mann's in the afternoon ; 
to a very attentive collection of people in both places. 
Came home on Monday with Mr. Jaudon. Tuesday 
evening held society for Mr. Burch's people. Wednesday 
evening preached for Dr. Green. Thursday evening at 
Kensington. Friday evening for Dr. Alexander, at Mrs. 
Casdrup's, Southwark, 

2d Sabbath of June — Preached in the prison in the 
morning, and at the First Baptist meeting in the after- 
noon. Monday went to Camden, and held meeting in 
the evening there. On Tuesday went to Haddonfield, 
and was refused by the Quakers to hold meeting in a 
school-house, belonging to one of them in the town. We 
had to go to one back of the town, in a heavy rain, w^here 
the people attended well. From there to Moorestown, 
where we were received by Mr. Harris, and held wor- 
ship at his house. In the evening he conveyed us to 
Mount Holly, where we held worship afternoon and 
evening. Mr. Richards sent us in his carriage to Bur- 
lington, where I staid and preached. 

3d Sabbath — Morning and evening at the Methodist 
meeting, and afternoon at the Baptist. Monday after- 
noon and evening at Bristol. 

Thursday, 16th July — Rode to Lancaster, and went 
to Lititz, a Moravian town, to see their order. 

3d Sabbath of the month — Preached in the Presbyte- 
rian meeting-house in Lancaster, morning and afternoon, 



62 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN, 

and was kindly received. Tuesday evening, preached 
at Columbia, in a handsome new meeting-house, to a 
large congregation, who were very attentive. Thursday 
evening, preached in a new school-house at New-Haven 
— a rainy night, but the people attended better than could 
be expected. Returned to Columbia, and had society at 
Mr. M'lvissick's house, on Friday evening, arid at Mr. 
Beaty's on Saturday evening ; people very attentive. 

4th Sabbath — Preached three times in the new meet- 
ing-house at Columbia, to full congregations ; the people 
were very attentive and solemn. Monday evening, held 
society at Dr. M'Corkle's. Tuesday went down the 
river on a raft of boards, to a town called Washington, 
where a sermon had never been preached before, and 
had a meeting in an unfinished house. The people 
crowded the place, and some sat on the joists over our 
heads ; the floor not being laid. Some were very attentive, 
others, out of doors, were noisy, and generally very care- 
less. Returning in the night in a gig, the gentleman who 
drove, ran against a stump and overset. We were both 
thrown out, but I escaped unhurt, and had neither bruise 
nor mark. He was very little injured, nor the carriage. 
Wednesday evening, held society at a Mrs. Houston's, 
who had long been confined to her house, and was in 
connexion with the Quakers. 

1st Sabbath in August — Preached three times in the 
new church in Columbia. Monday evening, held society 
at a Mrs. Ralston's, and afterwards gave an exhortation 
and prayer at Mr. Ring's, at the stage and ferry house. 
Tuesday afternoon, preached at Mr. Pettit's, at the sign 
of General Wayne. Wednesday at Downingtown, where 
many attended. Thursday, came home in the stage, and 
found all safe and in good order. Bless the Lord, oh my 
soul ! and all my powers join to praise and thank him 
for all his favors to me, a poor, unworthy, unprofitable, 
servant. 

5th Sabbath — Preached at Abington in the morning, 
Catechised the children, and attended a funeral there ; 
and in the afternoon preached in a school-house at Miles- 
town. 

September, the 1st Sabbath — Preached in the after- 



RfEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. QS 

noon at New-Brunswick, in New-Jersey, to a large con- 
gregation. Monday evening, at a private house. Tues- 
day evening, at Mrs. Mier's. Wednesday evening, at 
Mr. Seymour's school-house. Thursday evening, in Dr. 
Clark's meeting-house. Friday, came away with Mr. 
Guest and my brother, to see one John Williams, who 
has long been locked fast in body, with the rheumatism, 
and brought to know the Lord, and can now sing his 
praise in the midst of bodily distress, in an astonishing 
manner. 

2d Sabbath — Preached morning and afternoon at Bris- 
tol, in the Episcopal church, to a very attentive people, 
Mr. M'Elroy read the prayers, and I went home with 
him. Monday, preached near his house, to a very atten- 
tive assembly. Tuesday, preached again at a few miles' 
distance, and on Wednesday returned home. 

2d Sabbath of October — Preached both parts of the 
day at Pine street chilrch. On Monday went on a second 
tour appointed by Presbytery. Mr. Burch being unwell, 
I had to go alone. Preached in the evening at Camden, 
and had to walk next day to Haddonfield. It being their 
election time, I could get no stage or carriage. Preached 
in the evening in a school-house, and paid a woman for 
cleaning it. Was taken next day to Moorestown ; preach- 
ed at Mr. Edward Harris's, who entertained me kindly, 
and sent me on next day in his carriage to Mount Holly ; 
preached there, afternoon and evening, in the Baptist 
meeting-house. Went from there in a stage to Burlington, 
and preached again on Friday evening, and from there 
home. 

3d Sabbath — Preached for the poor in the bettering- 
house. 

4th Sabbath of November — Preached at the hospital. 
Monday evening, spoke in a society of our polite ladies, 
who usually meet by themselves. Wednesday evening, 
spoke in Pine street meeting. Thursday evening, in a 
society belonging to St. Paul's church. Friday evening, 
in Southwark society. Saturday evening, at Mr. Jaudon's. 

5th Sabbath — Preached at the bettering-house ; the 
people were very attentive, and some pious women much 



'64 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

comforted. In the evening, went to hear Mr. Fisk at the 
Academy. 

4th Sabbath of Febmary, 1813 — Preached at the hos- 
pital. The managers, and steward, with his family, and 
a larger collection than ever before, attended. 

3d Sabbath of March — Supplied at Pine street church, 
morning and afternoon, and was much oppressed in body, 
and with pain in my breast. On Thursday, went up to 
New-Hope to supply, by direction of Presbytery. Preach- 
ed there on Friday evening, and on Sabbath day. 

4th Sabbath — Preached in the new meeting-house. 
On Monday afternoon, at Mr M'Nairs', and from house 
to house ; and on Wednesday afternoon at 'Squire Ing- 
ham's house. Returned home Thursday evening. Fri- 
day evening, spoke for Mr. Joice in his society. 

1st Sabbath in June — Preached for Dr. Clark. On 
Tuesday evening in a private house. Wednesday, went 
to New- York, and was sick at the Rev. Mr. Brodhead's 
one day. Friday, went to Amboy, and preached in the 
evening, in the Presbyterian meeting-house. 

2d Sabbath — Preached both parts of the day in the 
same place ; the people were very attentive ; the militia 
were encamped before the church ; the trumpeter stood 
clerk, and officers all attended. 

3d Sabbath of August — Preached at Solesbury, up the 
Delaware ; again on Thursday, at the same place, and 
from house to house through the week ; and attended a 
funeral. 

4th Sabbath — Preached at Newtown to a large and 
attentive congregation ; went in the afternoon six miles, 
and attended a large funeral, and spoke there. I hope 
the Lord directed and blessed this journey. 

Thursday, 9th of September — The humihation day. 
I preached in the morning and evening, to an attentive 
and solemn people, in Crown street church. 

2d Sabbath^ — Attended again at Crown street. Mr. 
Sergeant preached in the morning, and I in the afternoon. 
1 then informed them that the Rev. Mr. Brodhead, whom 
they had invited to be their minister, was coming. 

3d Sabbath — Preached in the morning at Abington, 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 65 

and gave an exhortation in the afternoon at Ha thorough 
or Lollar's Academy, and went next day to a camp-meet- 
ing at Neshaminy. Wednesday evening, preached in the 
North Meeting ; had a favourable time. 

October, 1st Sabbath — Went to the lazaretto; preached 
in the afternoon from Isaiah iii. 10, 11, " Say to the right- 
eous," <Sz;c. ; the people attended well, and desired meet- 
ing again in the evening: w^e met again in the evening; 
attended to the 20th chapter of John generally. ' 

2d Sabbath in October — Attended the communion in 
Crown street church in the morning, in the afternoon 
preached to the poor at the bettering-house ; visited some 
that were very sick, and one died while we w^ere in prayer 
by the bed-side. 

November, the 2d Sabbath — Lectured at the bettering- 
house on the 11th chapter of Luke, the first 13 verses; 
the people attended well. 

3d Sabbath — Attended there again, and preached from 
Jeremiah viii. 20 — " the harvest is past," &c. Monday 
evening attended a society of ladies, as I had done the 
Monday evening before ; gave an exhortation, sung, and 
prayed, each evening. They were both solemn seasons. 
Tuesday evening attended a meeting for young people. 
The place was much crowded, and much weeping among 
them. I found it hard to dismiss them. Wednesday evening 
preached for Dr. Holcombe in the First Baptist meeting 
house. 

4th Sabbath — Gave an exhortation and prayed in St. 
George's Methodist meeting, after Mr. Cooper had 
preached; in the afternoon 1 preached at the hospital and 
prayed. Mr. Richards attending there, gave an exhorta- 
tion. Monday evening attended the ladies' meeting. 
Tuesday evening attended Crown street society ; spake 
from Matthew xi. 28 — " Come unto me," &c.; there was 
a remarkable moving among the people ; nor would they 
go away when dismissed ; and I had to give an exhorta- 
tion again. 

December, 1st Sabbath — Preached at the poor-house, 
on the rich man and Lazarus. As there had been a uni- 
versal preacher preaching there, I thought that passage 
the best reply to his doctrine. 



66 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

February, 1st Sabbath — Preached for the poor; attend- 
ed societies through the week. 

2d Sabbath — The pubHc institutions were supphed 
by those who offered their services ; attended a funeral, 
and spake in the house ; spake at societies through the 
week. 

3d Sabbath — Preached at the north church in the 
morning, attended the communion at Arch street, and 
assisted at the prison in the afternoon with Mr, Warren ; 
attended societies every evening this week. 

4th Sabbath — Preached at the poor-house, and attended 
societies as usual through the week. 

May, 5th Sabbath — In my way to the lazaretto stopped 
at Kingsess church, where a large audience met, but no 
preacher came ; I was therefore requested to preach, by 
the vestry, and the Lord, I hope, did direct and assist me 
— may his blessing follow ; preached again in the after- 
noon at the lazaretto. 

June, 1st Sabbath — The elders of Pine street church 
began worship in the court-house. I attended them in the 
afternoon, and preached at Spring Garden in the evening. 
Tuesday evening attended for Mr. Brodhead. Wednesday 
evening for Mr. Skinner at his society. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the bettering-house. Tues- 
day and Wednesday evenings as before. 

3d Sabbath — Preached in the Baptist meeting at 
Lower Dublin in the morning, and at the school-house, 
near the Fox Chase, in the afternoon. Wednesday even- 
ing for Mr. Skinner, and Thursday evening back of Arch 
street church. 

4th Sabbath — Preached at Camden in a school-house ; 
the people very attentive. 

The last Sabbath of June — Dr. Read of Wilmington 
wrote for me to come and assist him, as there appeared 
to be a revival of religion, and he was unable to attend 
to the duties of the church. Mr. Joyce and myself went 
and found much attention; he staid but two days; we had 
frequent meeting early in the morning, conversing through 
the day, and public worship every evening. 

1st Sabbath in July — Preached for Dr. Read ; Inde- 
pendence day united with the Baptists and Methodists, 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. (37 

and held worship morning, afternoon, and evening, to- 
gether, in the different meeting-houses, when the people 
attended well, and highly approved having worship in- 
stead of parade. Thursday evening attended meeting at 
Mr. Young's. Friday evening at New-Castle ; the meet- 
ing very solemn. 

2d Sabbath — Had worship at five o'clock in tl>e morn- 
ing at Wilmington, at ten also, and three in the afternoon. 
Mr. John Latta preached in the evening ; returned home 
on Monday by water ; had some good inclined men in the 
packet, and a pleasant passage. Tuesday evening spoke 
and prayed in Mr. Brodhead's society; but my breast was 
so sore with much exercise, 1 did not engage again through 
the week, but visited the sick as called for. 

November, 1814, 1st Sabbath— Preached at the hos- 
pital. 

2d Sabbath — Assisted Mr. Doke in the morning, attend- 
ed at the north meeting-house for Mr. Patterson, and 
preached for the poor in the afternoon. 

On Friday was sent for by my brother, at Brunswick, 
who was very sick. 

3d Sabbath — Preached in Brunswick morning and 
afternoon ; Monday evening at the landing, and Friday 
evening at Trenton. 

4th Sabbath — Preached at Mr. Rose's above Trenton, 
and Monday evening in town; Tuesday returned home 
and found all safe, thank the Lord; attended Mr. Brod- 
head's society the same evening ; so many attended, and 
place confined, that the candles were near going out for 
want of good air. 

January, 1815, began on Sabbath day — Preached to 
the poor in the bettering-house from Luke xiii. particularly 
on the barren fig-tree ; and had humbling views of my- 
self; attended societies in the week, and preached a pre- 
paratory sermon for the communion in Mr. Brodhead's 
meeting-house, from Micah vi. 6, first part. 

April, the 4th Sabbath — Preached at the state-house 
from Hebrew x. 38 — " the just shall live," &c. 

5th Sabbath — Preached for the poor at their house. 

May, the 1st Sabbath — Spoke at the hospital; the 
steward conducted me to every ward where the people 

G 



t}8 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

were in their senses, and I gave an exhortation in eachj 
and prayed in one as general for all, and for the institu- 
tion ; by this method more had an opportunity of hearing, 
than if I had held worship only in the large ward ; through 
each week attended societies, and spoke in different places 
at funerals, and had constant calls to visit those who were 
sick. 

June, 1st Sabbath — Preached for Dr. Row at Wood- 
bridge, morning and evening, and in Brunswick on Thurs- 
day evening. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in Brunswick, morning and 
afternoon, and attended a society in the evening with the 
Low Dutch. Monday evening preached at the landing. 
Tuesday evening at my brother's house. Wednesday even- 
ing in the meeting-house at Princeton, and visited the stu- 
dents. Thursday morning prayed with them in the hall ; 
many were very serious. Friday evening held a meeting 
in Trenton. 

3d Sabbath — Preached at Penington for Mr. Rue, and 
in the afternoon at the river meeting. Monday evening 
in Trenton again. Tuesday, June the 20th, 1815, returned 
home, and found all safe and in good order; thanks to my 
heavenly Father for all his mercies. 

4th Sabbath of September — Preached at Providence 
meeting-house above Norristown in the morning, and 
attended a funeral there and spoke at the grave ; in the 
afternoon preached at Norristown, and lectured in the 
evening in a private house to a very atte^itive people ; 
came home on Monday, and found all well. Tuesday even- 
ing delivered a lecture in a large society connected with 
Crown street congregation ; this week had many calls to 
visit sick in different places. 

October, 1st Sabbath — Preached in the Independent 
Tabernacle from Luke xii. 32. Fear not, little flock, for 
it is your father, &;c. 

2d Sabbath — Attended the Lord's Supper with Dr. 
Brodiiead's congregation, and preached for them in the 
afternoon. Tuesday evening attended the society. Thurs- 
day was sent for to Wilmington to assist at the communion 
in Dr. Read's congregation, he being sick; preached on 
Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 69 

3d Sabbath — Joined in the communion, gave an address 
at the close and prayed and preached in the afternoon^ 
and gave an exhortation, and prayed at night after Mr. 
Bell had preached ; came home on Monday, and found 
all safe ; thanks to my dear heavenly Father for all his 
mercies to a poor unworthy worm. 

New- Year day, 1816 — Delivered an address to the 
young people of Dr. Brodhead's congregation; in the 
evening joined Dr. Wilson in a public prayer meeting in 
his church. Tuesday evening spoke for him in a society, 

1 st Sabbath — Preached in the Tabernacle ; attended 
societies through the following week. 

2d Sabbath of February — Preached for the poor at their 
house ; attended Mr. Purves's son Alexander, ten years 
old, who experienced a remarkable change in the close 
of hfe, clear conviction of sin, believing views of salva- 
tion through Jesus, and full assurance of eternal happi- 
ness, in the course of four days. 

3d Sabbath — Preached at the hospital ; had a large and 
attentive collection of the lame, halt, and bhnd. 

1816. April, the 3d Sabbath — Preached in the Sixth 
Presbyterian Church. 

4th Sabbath — Preached in the morning in the Taber- 
nacle, and in the afternoon in the hospital. 

May, 1st Sabbath — Preached to a large collection of 
children, and visited several people sick and in distress 
of mind — attended a collection of adults who were learn- 
ing to read, on Monday evening, and delivered an address 
and prayed with them, and spoke in societies every even- 
ing through this week. 

1817. January, 3d Sabbath — Preached in the Second 
Reformed Dutch Church, in the afternoon, and assisted 
Dr. Janeway in the evening. 

4th Sabbath — So unwell as not to be able to go from 
home all day — confined to my house all the week. 

February, 1st Sabbath — Still unwell. 

2d do. — Still obliged to keep in my house. 

3d do. — Not out from home all day. 

4th do. — Attended a prayer meeting in the morning, 
and the communion in the Second Presbyterian Church 



70 MEMOIRS OF THE REV, JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

■ — assisted Dr. Neal in the afternoon, and Dr. Janeway 
at night. 

April, 1st Sabbath — Preached to the children belong- 
ing to the Sunday Schools — ^in the evening, assisted Dr. 
Janeway. Monday afternoon preached to a great collec- 
tion of children in Mr. Patterson's meeting-house, and 
attended a prayer meeting in the evening. Tuesday even- 
ing spoke and prayed ni Dr. Brodhead's meeting. Wednes- 
day evening preached for Dr. Neill in Spruce street. 
Friday evening assisted Dr. Janeway. 

1817. Made my report to Presbytery. 

3d Sabbath in April — Preached in the First Presby- 
terian Church, in the Northern Liberties, to a great col- 
lection of children and others — very attentive, and some 
much affected — in the evening assisted Dr. Janeway. 

July, 1st Sabbath — Was distressed in the morning with 
a bowel complaint and very sick stomach, but was reheved 
just in time to go and preach in the north Presbyterian 
Church, Mr Patterson being away, when I was favored 
with divine assistance — addressed a large collection of 
children of the Sabbath School in the afternoon, at half 
past two o'clock — attended worship after at Dr. Brod- 
head's Church, and spoke in the evening in a society of 
the Baptists in Fromberger's court. 

November, the 1st Sabbath — Preached a charity ser- 
mon in Mr. Patterson's meeting in the Northern Liber- 
ties for the Sunday Schools — attended at the hospital in 
the afternoon, and assisted Dr. Brodhead in the evening. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the State prison to a great 
number of prisoners from the 16th of Luke, from the 19th 
to the end — some of them at first appeared very careless, 
but afterward they were very attentive, and many of them 
seemed to be much affected and wept. 

Good Friday supplied for the Moravians at their minis- 
ter's request. 

4th Sabbath — Preached morning and afternoon at 
Fraiikford. Monday preached to a great collection of 
children in Mr. Patterson's meeting, supposed to be above 
1500. Tuesday evening preached in the Methodist meet- 
ing by request. Wednesday evening for the Baptist in the 
First meeting-house. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 7l 

5th Sabbath — Preached again both parts of the day at 
Frankford, and assisted Dr. Janeway in the evening. 

April, 1st Sabbath — Preached for the Africans in the 
morning, and at the hospital in the afternoon. 

July 4th — Held meeting in the morning with a Baptist 
society, and in the afternoon with the Presbyterians — also 
in the evening. 

1st Sabbath — Preached in the navy-yard in the morn- 
ing — attended a funeral in the afternoon, and assisted 
Dr. Janeway in the evening. 

November, the 1st Sabbath — Was at Evesham in the 
morning — assisted in public worship there — preached in 
Moorestown in the afternoon and evening to a very 
attentive congregation. This visiting in Jersey to be men- 
tioned to the Presbytery ; they appointed Mr. Burch and 
myself to visit Camden, Haddonfield, Bloorestown, Mount 
Holly, and Burlington, in 1812. Mr. Burch went but once. 
There have since been four meeting-houses built where I 
have attended. Two miles beyond Moorestown, at a large 
school-house, a woman called upon .the men to try to have 
worship often there. 

2d Sabbath — Preached morning and afternoon at the 
Falls of Schuylkill. 

January 1st, 1819 — Preached in Frankford. 

1 st Sabbath — Assisted Mr. Patterson in the morning ; 
preached for the children of the Sabbath School in the 
Seceder's meeting in Spruce street in the afternoon. Mr. 
M'Cartee prayed last. 

2d Sabbath— Preached for Mr. Hoff at Spring Garden 
in the morning ; assisted Dr. B.rodhead at his communion 
immediately after; assisted Mr. Patterson in the after- 
noon, and spoke for Dr. Holcombe's people in the even* 
ing ; had a solemn time. 

3d Sabbath — Attended the communion with Dr. Wil- 
son, and preached for him in the afternoon ; assisted Dr. 
Janeway in the evening. 

March, the 1st Sabbath — Assisted Mr. Patterson at his 
communion in the morning, attended a Sabbath School 
in the evening, where a number of Jewish children attend, 
and some of their parents. . 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the hospital, visited many 
G2 



72 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

sick, and distributed tracts; read one publicly. A lady 
who had, when chained to the floor, requested me to 
pray, was now restored to her reason ; assisted Dr. Jane- 
way in the evening ; both of us spoke and prayed. 

July, 1st Sabbath — Assisted at Mr. Patterson's in the 
morning; preached for the poor in the afternoon; at night 
as usual. 

2d Sabbath — Assisted Dr. Brodhead at his communion 
in the morning, and Dr. Jane way at night; attended many 
meetings in the week. 

3d Sabbath — Preached in the Seceder's meeting in 
Spruce street in the morning for Mr. M'Cartee ; at the 
hospital in the afternoon, and assisted Dr. Jane way at 
night. 

4th Sabbath — Preached at Haddonfield in the morn- 
ing, at Moorestown in the afternoon. Monday evening at 
Mount Holly. Tuesday preached a funeral sermon there : 
preached at Burlington on Wednesday evening. 

August, the 1st Sabbath — Attended a funeral in the 
morning to the Free Quaker's burying ground ; preached 
in the afternoon in the Orphan Asylum ; weather very 
warm. 

2d Sabbath — Preached morning and afternoon at the 
Falls of Schuylkill. 

4th Sabbath of October — Began preaching to the sea- 
men, morning and afternoon ; many attended both times, 
and conducted very well. Some were affected. 

Having traced the hfe and ministerial services of Mr. 
Eastburn to the period when he began to preach to the 
mariners, to whom he afterwards devoted his stated 
labors, it may be proper to make a few remarks on his 
journal, and to notice more particularly some events of 
which he takes only a cursory notice. Of the journal his 
particular friends and acquaintance will probably wish 
for more, and others mav think that too much has already 
been given. Not a fourth part of what he wrote has 
been extracted. In selecting the parts which appear, the 
design has been to present a fair specimen of the whole, 
and to show in how many different places and on what a 
variety of occasions this faithful minister of Christ was 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN, 73 

employed in his Master's service. Except when sickness 
prevented — and it was only to serious illness that he ever 
yielded — scarcely a sabbath passed, in which he did not 
engage twice, or thrice, and occasionally four times, in 
some public religious exercises, beside many visits paid 
in the intervals of worship to the sick and the afflicted. 

On the sabbath on which his beloved wife expired, we 
find that he preached in the morning, and attended her 
death-bed in the afternoon. Her complaint was a decline, 
so gradual that the time of her departure could not be 
foreseen, either by herself or others. She was probably 
not in appearance more likely to expire, on the day on 
which she actually breathed her last, than on many that 
had preceded it. There was, therefore, no want of sym- 
pathy, or attention, on his part, in leaving her for two or 
three hours in the morning, that his public usefulness, 
wdiich it was her desire as well as his to consult, might 
be interrupted as little as possible. The only written 
memorial which he has left of his wife is that quoted from 
his journal, which in the manuscript is surrounded by 
broad black lines. The following inscription appears on 
a monumental stone, which he caused to be erected over 
her grave — 

In memory of Ann Eastburn, 

The wife of Joseph Eastburn ; 

Who departed this life, 

In the full assurance of her eternal happiness, 

Through the merits of Jesus Christ, 

The 2d day of June, 1811, 

Aged 66 years. 

The following letter from her aged brother, on the 
occasion of her death, bears a pleasing testimony to the 
excellence of Mr. Eastburn's character as a husband and 
a friend — 

"Dear Brother — I received your letter, which an- 
nounced the death of my last and most beloved sister : 
and though it is inherent in human nature to mourn the 
departure of our dear and valued friends, yet when we 
call to mind her advanced age, her long and painful illness, 
her resignation and desire to be removed, we must ac- 
quiesce in the dispensation of that kind providence, 
which hath taken her from this life of pain and misery, to 



74 MEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

the enjoyment of an eternity of bliss, in the presence of 
the God whom in this life she loved and adored. Yet but 
a short time, and we shall follow. The longest human 
life is but a short space of time, and we may consider our- 
selves verging on the close — particularly myself, who am 
a number of years older than you. I can perceive my 
faculties, both bodily and mental, rapidly on the decline. 
My sated appetite for what is called the good things of 
this life, has often reminded me of old Barziilai's reply 
to king David, when invited by him to spend the remain- 
der of his Hfe at court. 

" Please to tender my best respects to Mrs. Hall, if she 
still lives, and let me know, from time to time, how you 
and my other friends are : for be assured I shall always 
regard with sentiments of esteem and friendship, the man 
who has, for so many years, been the tender and indul- 
gent husband of my dear departed sister. 

" Your affectionate brother, 

" Wm. Owen. 
'-'■ SuUixan County. Aug. 17, 1811. 
" Mr. Joseph Eastburn." 

On the death of his wife, Mr. E. relinquished alto- 
gether his mechanical occupation. The expense neces- 
sarily incurred by her long illness having now ceased, he 
found that his income from the investments in public 
stocks, which his industry and economy had enabled him 
to make, was fully adequate to his own comfortable sup- 
port, and also for contributing to the support of an aged 
and necessitous sister, as well as to some public charities 
of which he highly approved. From this period therefore, 
he devoted his time exclusively, and with augmented 
assiduity, to his evangelical labors. 

That part of the German Calvinist church in Philadel- 
phia, to whom the English language had become more 
familiar and intelligible than that of their ancestors, dis- 
satisfied vs^ith attending on the preaching of the gospe! in 
what was to some of them almost "an unknown tongue," 
separated from their brethren in the year 1 809, and form- 
ed a society by themselves. They at first met for worship 
in a large public hall, in what was then and stili is usually 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 75 

known by the name of the Old Academy. They applied 
to Mr. Eastburn to preach to them statedly, and it ap- 
pears from his journal that he did so, from the latter part 
of July, 1809, till December of the same year, when the 
Rev. James K. Burch, to whom they had given an invi- 
tation, arrived among them. This people, who have since 
become a flourishing congregation, in connexion with 
the Reformed Dutch Church, have always considered 
Mr. Eastburn as, in a sort, the father and founder of their 
religious society. When his stated labors among them 
terminated, they addressed to him a very affectionate 
letter, containing the sum of one hundred dollars, which 
they begged him to accept, not as a remuneration of his 
services, but as the expression of their sense of obligation 
to him, for what he had done to promote their spiritual 
interests. He immediately subscribed and paid over this 
sum to their treasurer, to aid the congregation in building 
their church. To the end of life he was peculiarly at- 
tached to this people, and was much beloved by them. 

The Sixth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia was, 
in like manner, greatly indebted, in its infant state, to the 
faithful labors of this devoted man of God. While they 
worshipped, in the court-house of the city, before the 
erection of the church edifice which they now occupy, 
he scarcely ever failed to minister to them publicly, when 
they were not otherwise supplied: and his kind and as- 
siduous attentions in visiting their sick, and in attending 
funerals and speaking at the grave, gave him a strong hold 
on their affections, which he retained to the last. For 
a series of years, indeed, he seemed to be considered a 
kind of common property of the whole religious com- 
munity, in the region where he was known. If an effort 
was to be made to establish religious worship, in a place 
where it had seldom or never been known — if appearances 
indicated that a revival of religion was commencing — if 
a destitute portion of country called for some occasional 
preaching — if extraordinary services were required at 
sacramental seasons — if a minister of the gospel, by rea- 
son of sickness or infirmity, could not perform his ordinary 
duties — if addresses were to be made on extraordinary 
occasions— on all these and numerous other occurrences, 



76 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

Father Eastburn was always looked to, and always, if 
co'jipliance was possible, he cheerfully undertook, and 
most acceptably performed, the services to which he was. 
called. Such was the tenor of his Hfe, till he in a measure 
became stationary, as stated preacher in the Mariner'e 
Church. 



CHAPTER VI 

Continues to preach to the sailors, and in various other 
places — sickness and death— reflections, 

Mr. Eastburn, as appears from his journal, began to 
preach statedly to the Mariners toward the close of the 
month of October, 1819. At the opening for worship 
of the building now known as the Mariner's Church of 
Philadelphia, a compendious narrative was given of all 
the measures which had previously been adopted, in that 
city, for the religious benefit of seamen ; and of those 
efforts in particular which had issued in the erection of 
that edifice. This narrative, which was printed and 
published as a report to the public, it seems proper to 
insert entire, in these memoirs. It contains a short but 
authentic history of the commencement, progress, and 
completion of an establishment, of which Mr. Eastburn 
may justly be considered as the founder: for although 
the liberality of the religious public, and the zealous ex- 
ertions of several pious and public-spirited individuals, 
were concerned, and were indeed essential, in bringing 
this establishment to maturity, yet the labors of Mr. 
Eastburn gave origin, animation, and effect to the whole. 
The narrative will also make known, as it ought to do, 
to all who may read these memoirs, the benevolence and 
liberality of some of the chief patrons of the Mariner's 
Church in Philadelphia ; as well as exhibit one of the 
happiest and most important efforts of Mr. Eastburn, in 
his incessant solicitude and unwearied activity in the 
cause of his divine Master. The narrative is as fol- 
lows :— 



MEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 77 

*' The third Sabbath in October, 1824, was fixed upon 
by the Committee for opening the Manner's Church in 
Philadelphia. The day was very fine, and the house was 
filled at an early hour with seamen and their families, 
and many citizens who felt an interest in the sailors' wel- 
fare. It was supposed that 1200, at least, formed the 
congregation, and many persons who went to the church 
were not able to gain admittance. The dedicatory ser- 
vices in the morning were performed by the venerable 
Joseph Eastburn, assisted by the Rev. James Patter- 
son, of the Northern Liberties ; and in the afternoon a 
sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Brodhead. 
After the concluding prayer in the morning, Robert 
Ralston, Esq. rose and remarked, that it had been con- 
sidered proper, on this occasion, to make known the 
commencement and progress of exertions for the benefit 
of mariners in this tity, and for that purpose he read the 
following statement : — 

" The first public service for the Mariner's Church in 
Ihe port of Philadelphia, was performed on the third Sab- 
bath of October, 1 8 1 9, in the sail-loft of Mr. Jacob Dun- 
ton, (who generously offered the same gratuitously) by 
the Rev. Joseph Eastburn ; this discourse was from the 
31st and 32d verses of the 107th psalm, 'O that men 
would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his won- 
derful works to the children of men ! Let them exalt 
him also in the congregation of the people, and praise 
him in the assembly of the elders.' — The Rev. Mr. Joyce 
being present, also made an address, which, with the 
discourse, afforded the greatest satisfaction. From five 
to six hundred persons were present, of which, at least, 
one-half the number, including masters of vessels, were 
mariners. On the following Sabbath, a Sunday School 
was opened, between the morning and afternoon services, 
which has continued, and now numbers on the roll, one 
hundred and sixty children. 

The worship continued in the sail-loft until the month 
of July, 1822, when a removal was made to the lecture 
room of the Second Presbyterian Church, in Cherry 
street, where the audience has generally been crowded, 
and the attendance of the mariners as numerous as could 



T8 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

be expected, at a distance so far removed from the 
water. 

In the month of June, 1823, an agreement was enter- 
ed into by a few citizens with the directors of the bank 
of North America, for the lot now occupied as the site 
of the church, seventy-five feet front on Water street, 
and sixty-one and a half feet deep, for which the sum of 
eight thousand dollars was to be paid, subject to a lease 
of the tenant, then in possession. The contract being 
made, by which a lot was thus secured, subscription pa- 
pers were circulated for the purpose of raising the amount, 
and which, at the close of a few weeks, produced nearly 
the sum of $10,000. This furnished the means of com- 
plying with the contract for the lot, by paying the eight 
thousand dollars to the directors of the bank, seven hun- 
dred dollars to the tenants for vacating the lease, and 
leaving about twelve hundred dollars towards the erection 
of a building. The conveyance for the lot, agreeably to 
the directions of those who were employed to solicit sub- 
scriptions, was made to Richard Dale, Samuel Archer, 
and Robert Ralston, in trust, for the use of the mariners 
of the port of Philadelphia. 

On the 10th of April, in the present year, an agree- 
ment was entered into with Mr. William Strickland, for 
a brick building of the whole dimensions of the lot, two 
stories high, constructed for warehouses in the lower 
story, and for a church in the second story, having a 
ceiling eighteen feet high, a gallery in the south end, and 
a pulpit, &c. in the north — the building to be covered with 
slate, and an observatory of twenty feet above the roof — 
the whole of the materials and workmanship to be of the 
best, and finished (without any additional expense) by the 
middle of the ensuing month, (November,) for the sum 
of ten thousand five hundred dollars. — To meet the pay- 
ments under this contract, which were to be monthly as 
the building progressed, a loan for the sum of eight thou- 
sand dollars was obtained from the Savings Fund So- 
ciety, at an interest of five per cent, per annum, mort- 
gaging the lot and building as security. The instalments 
have all been regularly paid ; and agreeably to a stipula- 
tion in the contract, the balance, after a release from all 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 79 

leases or claims for workmanship and materials furnished, 
will be paid in a promissory note, at sixty days. 

A statement herewith annexed, exhibits the contribu- 
tions received from the citizens and insurance companies; 
the sums which have been received from the mariners in 
monthly contributions ; the sum obtained on loan ; and a 
balance of interests arising from unoccupied funds. It 
also exhibits the amount of payments for incidental ex- 
penses — for attending to the care and cleaning of the 
rooms used for worship — for the supply of books, &c. to 
the Sunday School — for the payment of the lot and lease 
— for the instalments on the building as far as they have 
become due, — and for six months' interest on the money 
borrowed — leaving a cash balance of $2152 52. A 
credit taken for this balance, and debiting the payment 
yet to be made for the building, with the loan and interest 
to be paid on the 1 3th April next, will make an aggregate 
of $9047 48, hereafter to be provided for. 

The funds raised by contributions from the citizens, 
and insurance companies, were the result of the exer- 
tions of twenty-two committees, of two and three each, 
who very diligently and successfully pursued their solici- 
tations, until the amount was adequate to the cost of the 
lot— The plan being to borrow for the erection of the 
building, and calculating to extinguish the same by a 
sinking fund, arising from the rents of the stores, and the 
monthly contributions of mariners. From the tirst of 
these sources, there will no doubt be a revenue of several 
hundred dollars per annum ; and from the latter, if prop- 
erly attended to by the owners and masters of vessels, a 
considerable annual income also. To facilitate the last, 
there has been prepared and circulated, a number of sub» 
scription books, designed to be brought to the notice of 
the officers and crew after embarking, for the purpose of 
subscribing donations and monthly contributions — to be 
paid for the use of the church, at the end of the voyage. 
From the experiment which has been made, this plan 
promises to be productive, if it is properly atiej^ded to ; 
and carries with it the conviction, that the funds will 
come from an appropriate source, being from the mari- 
ners themselves. The danger however of deferring the 
H 



^0 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

extinguishment of the debt to the slow operation of the 
rents and monthly contributions, induces a suggestion, 
that there should be a renewal of the exertions on the 
part of the citizens who formerly solicited, and of any 
others feeling interested for the cause of the mariners — 
who, making the calls general instead of partial, as was 
the case before, may, in a short time, with other aids, 
render the means equal to a final extinguishment of the 
debt. Hitherto the gospel has been free to the mari- 
ners ; and whilst the venerable Pastor, so eminently 
qualified to break the bread of life to them, remains to 
discharge his ministerial duties, it will continue to be fur- 
nished without money and without price. To be pre- 
pared however for a change, which sooner or later must 
take place, is an additional reason, why exertion should 
be made now, to render the institution entirely inde- 
pendent. 

The reflections arising from a review of the peculiar 
smiles of Providence attending the efforts using in favor 
of the best interests of mariners, are calculated to fill 
the mind with wonder and astonishment at the goodness 
and mercy of the Lord. Surely it conveys the encour- 
aging hope, that the set time to favor seamen is come. 
The interest excited in their behalf, was simultaneous on 
both sides of the Atlantic. Only seven or eight years 
have elapsed since the pubhc feeling has in any measure 
been alive to this object ; and what has been the result, 
both in Europe and America, since that period ? Bethel 
Unions, Floating Chapels, Mariner'' s Churches, and Prayer- 
Meeting Establishments, we hear of, from almost every 
large sea-port. Can this be any other than a supernatu- 
ral influence operating at one and the same time, without 
concert, without the knowledge of each other's exertions, 
and yet, all tending to the same godlike work of benev- 
olence — the salvation of the souls of poor neglected 
mariners. In our own humble sphere, where has there 
been more evidence of the favor, and the blessing of the 
Lord ? — where a greater proof of the efficacy of prayer, 
than is witnessed by the continual solicitude of those de- 
parting, for the prayers of the church — conveying a man- 
ifest fueling of an humble dependence on the God of 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 



81 



providence ? And where a greater evidence of the divine 
favour, than is witnessed in the accommodation afforded 
by the building, under the roof of which we are assem- 
bled at this time ? 

May we not also notice, and notice it with emotions 
of grateful hearts, how the Lord has spared, and used as 
an instrument for this new work, the singularly qualified, 
and eminently pious pastor of the Mariner's Church? 
Nor should we omit to notice, the services rendered from 
the commencement of this establishment by two of our 
Christian brethren,* who undertook, and have conducted 
the Psalmody of the Church, in the most acceptable 
manner — till it pleased the Lord to call one from labour 
to reward;! and who, it is believed, will be recollected 
by all the worshippers in the Mariner's Church, with ap- 
probation and heartfelt regard." 

[The church is situate on the east side of Water street, 
between Chesnut and Walnut streets.] 

October 16, 1824. 

Dr. The Mariner'' s Church,' with the Committee superintending the Building, &c. Cr. 



To cash paid the Directors 
of the Bank of North 
America, for lots, 8000 

To Tenant for vacating 
lease, 700 

incidental expenses of fuel, la 

I bor, &c. for five years, in the 
rooms used by the Church, 

Books, &c. for the Sunday 
School, including discount 
for the exchange of uncur- 
rent hank paper, 

Wni. Strickhiinl for 7 instal- 
ments on building, 

G. Biliington for fi months' in- 
terest on loan of &000 dollars 
at 5 per cent, per annum. 

Balance, being cash in hand, 



Balance of contract to be paid 
VVm. Strickland, 

Loan from Savings Fund So- 
ciety, with six months' in- 
terest, due 13th April, 1825, 



dols. 



8700 00 
217 



75 



7500100 



200 00 
215'2l52 



3000j00 
8200|00 

iiaooloo 



1824 



By amount of donations 
from individuals, 9094 39 
Ditto, from Insur- 
ance Companies, 900 00 

MontWy contributions from 

Mariners, 
Loan from Savings Fund 

Society, 
Balance of interest by placing 

out unoccupied fuiids, 



By balance brought down. 

Balance which must be paid 

by the 13th April. 1825, 



Phila. 16th October, 1824. 



dols. ct. 



8000 00 
156 56 



18845 82 
2152;^ 
9047J48 

11200 00 



* Mr. John Harned, and Mr. Gilbert Gaw. 
t Mr. Gaw departed this life, 27th March, 1824. 



$2 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

Among other letters which Mr. Eastburn had received 

during the last week, and read at the meeting, was the 

following from Capt. Tubbs. 

Brig Commodore Barry, off Cape 
Henlopen, Oct. lOth. 1824. 

My very dear friend, — Through the tender mercj 
of our heavenly F'ather, we have proceeded thus far on 
our voyage without accident, and all in good health. 
The wind is fair, and very soon, if no accident happens, 
will many waters roll between you and us ; and while 
we are exposed to the dangers incident to the watery 
element, may we never forget that God, who once said, 
''peace, be still, and there was a great calm.*" 

We are bound to a country where all are professed 
Christians; still they hardly have the form, much less 
the power of godliness — but Christ will one day (and 
O may it not be long, before he will) destroy that man of 
sin, with the brightness of his coming. 

To me, a seafaring life has become painful, not only 
in the separation from one of the best of wives, but from 
Christian society; for I can say from my heart that I do 
love all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ ; and in 
my darkest hours that promise has never failed me, " We 
know that we have passed from death unto life, because 
we love the brethren ;" and I think I have realized the 
promise more than once, " I will never leave thee nor 
forsake thee !" — weeping may last for a night, but joy 
comes in the morning. 

T have the happiness to have with me this time two 
pious souls — I believe my second officer and one man be- 
fore the mast ; and in fact they all appear to be fine 
moral young men. — Bi/ divine permissioyi I intend to es- 
tablish the public worship of God on board, at least evert/ 
Sabbath, the weather permitting : And I hope, my dear 
father in Christ, indeed I am sure, we shall have your 
fervent prayers, not so much for our temporal as for our 
spiritual and eternal welfare. O how should this con- 
cern every son and daughter of Adam ! " What will it 
profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his 
own soul ; or what will a man give in exchange for his 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 83 

soul," is the language of Him who knows the worth of 
immortal souls. 

The pilot is calling, I must bid you adieu. Father, 
pray for us ; we know that the effectual fervent prayer 
of a righteous man availeth much. You have my imper- 
fect petitions daily — and may the God of all grace be 
with you — may you have a Mariner's Church indeed, 
built of lively stones, Jesus Christ himself being the chief 
corner-stone, and grow up to a holy temple in the Lord 
— are the sincere prayers of your affectionate friend, 

Calvin Tubbs» 

Rev. Joseph Eastburn. 

During the five years which elapsed, from the time 
at wiiich Mr. E. began to preach statedly to seamen, to 
that at which the Mariner's Church was opened, he per- 
formed many occasional services in a variety of places. 
A few extracts from his journal during this period, will 
best exhibit the tenor of his hfe and his ministerial en- 
gagements. 

1820. January, 1st Sabbath — Preached in the morn» 
ing from Luke xiii. : The barren fig-tree. Many were af- 
fected — in the afternoon from the 11th chapter, upon 
prayer. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the morning from Deuter- 
onomy xxxii. 29 : " O that they were wise." In the af- 
ternoon from John i. 45 : " We have found him of whom 
Moses," &LC. 

3d Sabbath — Preached in the morning from Isaiah iii. 
10, 11 : "Say ye to the righteous." In the afternoon 
from Luke xiii. 24 : " Strive to enter in at the straight 
gate." 

4th Sabbath — Preached in the morning from Malachs 
iii. : " Then they that feared the Lord," &;c. In the after- 
noon from John iv. : The woman of Samaria. 

5th Sabbath — Preached in the morning from Daniel 
V. : Belshazzar's feast and death. In the afternoon frora 
Luke XV., particularly the prodigal son. 

Mrirch, 1st Sabbath — Preached in the morning from 
Matthew xiv. 30 : " Lord save me." In the afternoon 
from 1 Timothy iv. 8 : Godliness profitable for all 
H2 



84 MExMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

2d Sabbath — Preached from Revelations iii. 20: "Be- 
hold I stand at the door," Szc. In the afternoon a Mr. 
Harned spoke from Psalm xix. 13 : " Keep back," &;c. 

3d Sabbath — Mr. Thompson, formerly a sailor, spoke 
from Luke ii. 14: " Good will to men." I preached in 
the afternoon from Psalm xlvi. : " God is our refuge." 

May, 1st Sabbath — Preached in the morning from 
Psalm xl. first three verses — was taken very sick on my 
way home, but recovered so as to go again, and preached 
in the afternoon from 1 Peter iv. 18: " And if the right- 
eous, &c." 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the morning from Matthew 
xi. 28 : " Come unto me," &;c. Mr. Muhlenberg preached 
from Luke xv. : The parable of the prodigal son. 

3d Sabbath — Mr. Bell preached in the morning from 
1 John iv. 19 : " We love him because he first loved us." 
In the afternoon Dr. M 'Do well preached from Luke xix. 
10 : " For the son of man is come," &;c. 

4th Sabbath — At this time the General Assembly was 
in session, and several assisted. Mr. Wisner preached 
from Hebrews ii. 3 : " How shall we escape if," &:c. 
Mr. William M'Dowell, from Mark xvi. 21 : " One thing 
thou lackest." 

June, 1st Sabbath — Mr. Calhoun preached from 1 
Timothy i. 15 : " This is a faithful saying." Mr. Hum- 
phrey in the afternoon from Mark iii. 7 : Jesus going to 
the sea. 

2d Sabbath — Mr. John Hodge preached from Matthew 
xi. 28 : " Come unto me all ye that labor," &;c. I spoke 
in the afternoon from Acts xxiv. 25 : Paul's reasoning be- 
fore Felix. 

July, 4th Sabbath — Mr. M'Innes preached in the 
morning from Isaiah Ixiii. 16. I preached in the afternoon 
from Revelation xiv. 13: "I heard a voice from heaven,' 
&;c. Monday went to Chester — Preached in the Episco- 
pal church, by request of the Rev. Mr. Douglas, in the 
evening. Tuesday went with him to Marcus Hook — 
Preached there in the Baptist meeting-house — the peo- 
ple were very attentive in both places. Wednesday went 
to New-Castle — Preached in the evening in the Presby- 
terian meeting: visited a charity school and several fami- 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBTJRN. 86 

lies, one woman very poorly. Thursday came to Wil- 
mington — Preached in the Presbyterian meeting for Mr. 
Gilbert, preparatory to the communion ; twelve were 
mentioned to join. 

5th Sabbath — Preached in the Mariner's meeting in 
the morning, from Psalm ix. 9,10: " And they that 
know thy name will put their trust in thee." Mr. De- 
wees preached in the afternoon from Matthew vii. : build- 
ing on a rock and on sand. 

August, 3d Sabbath — Preached from Jonah iii. 2 : The 
Lord sending him the second time to Nineveh. In the 
afternoon from Matthew xxv . : The parable of the ten 
virgins. An alarm of the yellow fever near the shore, 
kept many away. The board of health sent an order 
this week to stop our meetings. Upon this I went to 
see my friends in Brunswick, and held meetings there. 

4th Sabbath — Preached in the Presbyterian meeting- 
house. Monday evening I went up to the landing, and 
preached there. Tuesday evening in the Methodist 
meeting in Brunswick. Wednesday evening for the Bap- 
tists. Thursday, being appointed by the General As- 
sembly of the Presbyterian Church as a day of humilia- 
tion, thanksgiving, and prayer, 1 preached morning and 
evening in the meeting-house. Friday attended the fu- 
neral of Mrs. Applegate, a worthy member. Saturday 
came to Trenton and visited many of my friends there. 
•September, 1st Sabbath — Preached in the Presbyterian 
meeting-house, and was favored with sweet freedom in 
almost every exercise, and experienced great kindness 
in every place. On Monday returned home and found 
all safe. 

September, 2d Sabbath — Attended the communion in 
the morning with Dr. Neil — Preached in the afternoon 
at the Orphan Asylum, and in the evening for Dr. Jane- 
ivay, in the society room. 

3d Sabbath — Preached in the morning in Fort Mifflin 
to the soldiers there ; in the afternoon in the garrison on 
the shore, to the soldiers there ; many of the neighbours 
around attended ; we held worship under the trees ; the 
officers and men behaved well, and some were affected. 
Wednesday went to Burlington, and preached in the even- 



86 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

ing there. Thursday went to Mount Holly, and preach- 
ed in the evening there. 

4th Sabbath— Preached in the morning in Haddonfield, 
and in the evening in Moorestown ; all places well at- 
tended. 

October, 1st Sabbath — Preached in the Navy- Yard in 
the morning, and in the Hospital in the afternoon : good 
attention in both. 

2d Sabbath — Attended the Lord's Supper with Dr. 
Brodhead, and gave an exhortation — Preached in the 
afternoon for the poor in the Bettering House. 

3d Sabbath — Attended the Germans at the Academy 
in the morning, who have English preaching; in the af- 
ternoon with the Moravians at their communion ; in the 
evening with Dr. Janeway, in the society house. 

4th Sabbath — Assisted Mr. Mlnnes in opening the 
meeting in Thirteenth street, in the morning ; attended 
two funerals to the new Baptist meeting ground, and 
preached there in the afternoon for Mr. Griffin, his wife 
being one that was buried. 

5th Sabbath — Attended a funeral to the Moravian 
ground, and spoke at the grave : preached in the after- 
noon at the Orphan Asylum ; walked there and home. 

November, 1st Sabbath — Renewed the Mariner's meet- 
ing. Preached in the morning from Hosea vi. 1 : " Come 
and let us return." Dr. Brodhead assisted me in the 
afternoon : the meetings were crowded. 

2d Sabbath — Preached from a part of the 107th 
Psalm, being a stormy day, on sailors. Dr. Janeway 
preached in the afternoon from 1 John ii. 2. 

1821. January, 1st Sabbath — I spoke from John i. 45 : 
*' We have found him," &;c. Mr. Kennedy in the after- 
noon from Jude, 1 2th and 1 3th verses. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the morning from 1 Chron- 
icles xxviii. 9 : " And thou Solomon my son," &c. Mr. 
Scott in the afternoon from John viii. 12: "1 am the 
light of the world." Some sailors returned, who gave a 
good account of a reformation. 

3d Sabbath — A new flag was raised at the Mariner's 
meeting, with stars, dove, and anchor. I spoke in the 
morning from Hebrews vi. from the i7th verse to the end. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 87 

Mr. Osburn, in the afternoon, upon our Lord's lamenting 
over Jerusalem. 

April, 3d Sabbath — Preached in the morning from John 
i. 10, 11 : "He came unto his own," <Sz;c. Dr. Janeway 
in the afternoon from Romans viii. 6 : " To be carnally 
minded is death," &c. This week made my report to the 
Presbytery, and had prayer meetings on board different 
vessels. 

4th Sabbath — Mr. Osburn preached in the morning 
from Matthew v. 6. A Mr. Allen, just from London, in 
the afternoon from Isaiah xlv. 22 : "Look unto me," &lc. 
I had to take a considerable part in each of the meetings. 

5th Sabbath — Lectured on the first 10 verses of the 
12th chapter 2d Corinthians: Paul's vision of heaven. 
Mr. Kennedy preached in the afternoon from Zechariah 
ix. 12: The strong hold. I had to speak afterwards, as 
many appeared to be under serious concern. 

July, 5th Sabbath — Mr. Osburn in the morning lec- 
tured on the 5th chapter to the Ephesians — I followed. 
In the afternoon I spoke from Mark v. 15: The man 
possessed delivered. 

August, 1st Sabbath — I spoke from Hebrews xi. 24: 
" By faith, Moses, when he," &lc. Addressed Sabbath 
schools between meetings, and assisted again in the Mar- 
iner's meeting in the afternoon. Mr. Kennedy spoke 
from Isaiah xlii. 16. 

2d Sabbath — Preached in the morning at sunrise in the 
Northern Liberties. Mr. Osburn preached for the Mar- 
iners at 10 o'clock, from Proverbs viii. 17. I spoke in 
the afternoon from Matthew xiv. 30, last part : " Lord 
save me," &c. On Tuesday went to Princeton, and at- 
tended the Theological Seminary in the evening. Wed- 
nesday attended at the ordination of Mr. Stewart, and 
went to Brunswick. Thursday evening spoke in the 
Presbyterian meeting. Friday went to New-York. 

3d Sabbath — Preached morning and evening in the 
Mariner's meeting. Monday evening had prayer meeting 
on board a vessel at a wharf. Tuesday had worship on 
board the ship Franklin 74. Wednesday evening in the 
Mariner's church. Thursday evening spoke for Dr. 
Spring in a large session-house. Friday evening had a 



88 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

prayer meeting on board of a ship at the shore ; many 
attended. 

4th Sabbath — Preached morning and evening in the 
Mariner's church ; very crowded in the evening, and 
very attentive. Monday visited the Orphan Asylum, and 
gave an address to them by the request of Divie Beth- 
une, Esq., who kindly received me to his house, and 
conducted me to many places. Tuesday returned to 
Brunswick, preached there again on Wednesday evening, 
and returned home. 

November, 1st Sabbath — Mr. Mead preached from 
2 Timothy ii. 15 : "Study to show," &c. Mr. Kennedy 
in the afternoon from Acts xi. 23 : " Exhorting with pur- 
pose of heart," &:c. 

2d Sabbath — I lectured on the 103d Psalm, as several 
seamen had experienced delivering mercy. Mr. Wilmer, 
an Episcopal minister, in the afternoon, from Isaiah Iv. 
6,7. 

3d Sabbath — I preached from Galatians iii. 24 : "Where- 
fore the law is our schoolmaster," &:c. Mr. Kennedy 
from Philippians iii. 3 : " We are the circumcision," &c. 
Nineteen seamen signed their request to be remembered 
this day in prayer. 

1 822. December, 5th and last Sabbath in the year — 
Spoke from Jeremiah viii. 20. Mr. Osburn in the after- 
noon from Isaiah Ivii. 21 : " There is no peace," &c. I 
read some interesting accounts of the conversion of sea- 
men. A quaker woman preacher requested liberty to 
speak, and did. 

1823. February, 4th Sabbath — I spoke from 2 Cor. 
viii. 9 : " For ye know the grace," &:c., and attended the 
communion in the 2d Presbyterian church. Dr. Brod- 
head spoke in the afternoon from Genesis vii. 1 : " Come 
thou and all thy family into the ark," — we had much en- 
couragement with the seamen all day — many appeared 
deeply affected. 

July, 1st Sabbath — Lectured on the 7th of Matthew, 
particularly the 24th verse: A good foundation. Mr. 
Osburn in the afternoon from Joshua xxiv. 15: "As for 
me I will serve the Lord." 

2d Sabbath— I lectured on the 8th of Romans, partic- 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 89 

ularly the 14th verse: The leading of the Spirit. Dr. 
Sargent assisted in the afternoon from the 136th Psalm. 
On Tuesday 1 went to Trenton, and had meeting in the 
Presbyterian meeting-house morning, afternoon, and even- 
ing ; several ministers attended a concert meeting ; went 
with the Rev. Mr. Clark to Flemington, and had meet- 
ings through the week in different places ; on Sabbath I 
spoke in the meeting-house in the day, and at the court- 
house in the evening; many attended and some were 
much affected, old and young ; went to Amwell ; preach- 
ed in the Rev. Mr. Kirkpatrick's meeting-house and other 
places ; on Saturday had meeting in the church at Flem- 
ington preparatory to the communion ; also in the even- 
ing. Sabbath morning at 6 o'clock — -At half past 10, 
when the ordinance was attended, there was half an 
hour's intermission, when I preached again ; also in the 
evening in the court-house, and next day in the morning, 
when we had the most solemn and affecting meeting I 
ever saw. I then went to Brunswick, spoke three 
evenings there, and went the first day of August to New- 
York. On the first Sabbath I spoke in the Mariner's 
meeting there, morning and evening; many attended, 
Monday evening attended the concert of prayer with 
Dr. Spring. Tuesday afternoon had meeting in the 
Mariner's church ; several ministers attended, and in the 
evening had meeting on board a ship, which was well at- 
tended. On Wednesday returned to Brunswick, spoke 
there again, and returned home on Saturday, and found 
it safe. 

September, 1st Sabbath — Lectured on the 12th chap- 
ter of 2 Corinthians. Mr. Abels, a mariner, assisted in 
the afternoon. On Tuesday v^ent towards New-Hope ; 
preached in the evening ; the next day at New-Hope in 
the meeting-house, and in the evening at a private house; 
then went with the Rev. Mr. Clark, preached at different 
places until we arrived at Flemington, and there again. 

2d Sabbath — Addressed the Sabbath school in the 
meeting-house, and preached three times in it through the 
day and evening ; had meetings daily around the country 
in private houses. 

3d Sabbath — Preached five miles from the town in a 



90 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

meeting-house, and assisted in the evening in the town; 
next day preached in the meeting-house, and affec- 
tionately the people came up to bid me farewell, but had 
a serious meeting with some of them in the evening at 
Mr. Clark's house. Tuesday came back to New-Hope, 
preached for Mr. Steadiford in his meeting in the after- 
noon, and in an academy at night ; next day at Mrs. 
Nely's house in the afternoon ; next morning in Solesbury 
meeting-house, and in the evening at Mr. Winekoop's. 
Friday returned home in safety, and found it safe ; thanks 
be to the Lord for all his goodness to a poor unworthy 
creature. 

4th Sabbath— Preached in the Mariners' meeting in 
the morning from Luke xix. 10:" The son of man is 
come to seek and save," Sic. Dr. Ely preached in the 
afternoon very seriously. 

1824. March, 4th Sabbath— Lectured on the 11 6th 
Psalm, by request of a pious friend. Mr. Kennedy spoke 
in the afternoon from Luke xix. 10. 

The following night our dear friend, Mr. Gilbert Gaw, 
who constantly attended with us and read the line in 
singing, departed to his heavenly home, after being in a 
heavenly frame of mind all day. 

April, 1st Sabbath — Spoke from Revelations xiv. 14: 
'-'■ Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Dr. Brod- 
head in the afternoon from Mark xiii. 35 : " Watch ye," 
&c. 

2d Sabbath — Spoke from the 23d chapter of Job : 
" Oh that I knew where I might find him." A Mr. Fer- 
guson assisted in the afternoon, and spoke upon the first 
day. Sabbath. 

3d Sabbath — Lectured on the 28th chapter of Matthew, 
being Easter Sunday. Mr. Hannah, a Methodist minister, 
from England, spoke from Romans viii. 1. This week I 
made my report to Presbytery, which gave full satisfac- 
tion. 

August, 1st Sabbath — Mr. M'lver spoke in the morn- 
ing from Ecclesiastes xi. 9 : " Know thou," &c. Mr. 
Scott in the afternoon from Proverbs v. 10, 11 : "And 
thou mourn at the last," &lc. I had to take part in both ; 
we had a crowded and solemn meeting, day and evening. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 91 

2(^Sabbath — Mr. Samuel Helfenstein spoke from 1 Tim- 
othy iv. 8 : "Godliness is profitable unto all things," &;c. 
In the afternoon Mr. Charles Nassau from Amos iv. 12 : 
" Prepare to meet thy God," &;c. 

3d Sabbath — I lectured on the epistle of Jude to a 
crowded congregation of sailors. Dr. Sargent in the 
afternoon spoke from Deuteronomy viii. 2 : " And thou 
shalt remember," &c. 

4th Sabbath — Lectured on the 14th of Matthew, from 
the 13th verse; had many seamen, attentive. In the af- 
ternoon Mr. Magoffin spoke from Micah ii. 10: "Arise 
ye," &;c. This week I went to Baltimore, and was kindly 
received by many friends, and spoke in several places of 
worship ; on the last Sabbath in August, and the first 
Sabbath in September, in each morning, at the head of 
the basin, and in the afternoons at FelPs Point, in sail- 
lofts, and two evenings in a large school-room, and the 
people were very attentive, and many affected ; many 
seamen attended there also ; several captains of vessels 
appeared to be pious men. 

October, 1st Sabbath — Lectured on the 6th of Daniel, 
and on his character. Mr. Scott spoke in the afternoon 
from Revelation i. 7 : " Behold he cometh," &c. 

2d Sabbath — Lectured on the 4th chapter of 2 Tim- 
othy, particularly Paul's departure at hand. Young Mr. 
Taylor in the afternoon from Deuteronomy xxxii. 29 : 
" Oh that they were wise" — this was our last Mariners' 
meeting in Cherry-street, and a solemn day ; the seamen 
returned thanks for the use of the place to the Session 
and Corporation. 

3d Sabbath — Began worship in the New Mariners' 
church, being the same Sabbath of the year that worship 
began for seamen five years before ; the Rev. Mr. Patier- 
son assisted in the morning, and read Solomon's dedica- 
tion of the Temple, and made some remarks upon it and 
prayed ; many attended. 1 then spoke from Genesis 
xxviii. part of the 17th verse: " This is none other but 
the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." Mr. Ral- 
ston read an account of the commencement of the meet- 
ing and of the building — an anthem was sung. The Rev. 



92 MEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

Dr. Brodhead preached in the afternoon from 2 Chron- 
icles vii. 16. 

1825. January, 1st Sabbath — I spoke from the 13th 
of Luke : The barren fig-tree. Mr. Gary, from Calcutta, 
in the afternoon from Psalm xxxiv. 8 : " Taste and see," 
&c. 

April, 1st Sabbath, Easter— -I lectured on the 28th of 
Matthew in the morning. Mr. Matthews, an Episcopal 
minister, in the afternoon, spoke a few words. 

2d Sabbath — -I spoke upon grieving and quenching the 
influence of the Spirit. Mr. Cary in the afternoon from 
Psalm Ixxii. 17:" All nations shall call him blessed." 

3d Sabbath — Lectured on the first 5 verses of the 3d 
chapter of Solomon's Songs. Bishop White preached 
from 1 Corinthians xv. 56, in the afternoon. 

4th Sabbath — Lectured on the 5th of Daniel. Mr. 
Samuel Lawrence, Acts iii. 1 9. 1 made my report to 
the Presbytery last week. 

July, 1st Sabbath — 1 lectured on the 3d chapter of 
'Jonah in the morning. Mr. Mitchelmore in the after- 
noon. This week I went with Mr. Scott to New Castle. 
I spoke there on Wednesday evening in the Presbyterian 
meeting-house ; next day went to Salem, and spoke there. 
Went to Bridgetown on Friday, spoke there in the Court 
House ; the place crowded. The Rev. Mr. Hoff pre- 
vailed on me to stay with him over Sabbath. I spoke on 
Saturday preparatory to the Lord's Supper; again on 
Sabbath morning. In the afternoon spoke in the Baptist 
meeting-house. On Monday went with Mr. Hoff toward 
Cape May. Tuesday spoke in a school-house. Wednesday 
Mr. Hoff spoke in the meeting-house ; Mr. Scott and my- 
self assisted. On Friday I spoke in the same place. On 
Sabbath morning Mr. Scott also spoke there ; I spoke in 
the afternoon to a very attentive congregation. We re- 
turned home on Thursday morning, having been kindly 
directed by the good providence of the Lord in all the 
way. 

4th Sabbath — I again attended our Mariner's church : 
weather very warm. 

5th Sabbath— I lectured on the 96th Psalm, but could 
not attend in the afternoon. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 93 

September, 2d Sabbath — I spoke from 2 Kings vii. 3, 
4 : The leprous men. Mr. Mitchelmore in the afternoon 
from 3d of John : The brazen serpent. I was enabled 
to attend both parts of the day and spoke in the close. 
This week I went to Princeton, spoke in the Seminary 
and at the College ; went to Brunswick, spoke in the 
Presbyterian and Low Dutch churches ; from there to 
Flemington, spoke there, and several places around there; 
the Rev. Mr. Clark was with me, and assisted ; we were 
much encouraged. 

1826. February, 2d Sabbath — I spoke from 1 Tim- 
othy, i. 15: " This is a faithful saying," &c. Mr. Mitchel- 
more in the afternoon lectured on the 26th of Matthew. 

3d Sabbath — I lectured on part of the 22d of Genesis : 
Abraham offering Isaac. Dr. Ely, in the afternoon, spoke 
from 2 Corinthians iv. 17. 

4th Sabbath — I spoke from Revelations xiv. 1 3. Mr. 
Eustace spoke in the afternoon. We then attended the 
funeral of our good friend. Commodore Dale; the Mari- 
ners went together from the church, and the children 
belonging to the Sabbath school of the church, all in 
order. 

May, 1st Sabbath — 1 spoke from Romans xiv. 17. Mr, 
Mitchelmore on redeeming time. 

2d Sabbath — I lectured on the 2d of the Acts, being what 
is called Whitsuntide. Mr. Ramsey spoke in the after- 
noon from 1 Thessalonians v, 19: "Quench not the 
Spirit." 

3d Sabbath — The General Assembly were in session, 
and several of them attended. Mr. Woodbridge spoke 
in the morning from Isaiah Iv. 2 : " Wherefore do ye 
spend money," &lc. — Mr. Curry lectured in the afternoon 
from Matthew xi. 19. 

4th Sabbath — Dr. Jennings preached in the morning 
from Hebrews vi. 19: The anchor of hope — well ap- 
plied. Mr. Casner in the afternoon, from Isaiah Iv. first 
3 verses. 

July, 3d Sabbath — I was at Reading, spoke in Dr. 
Greir's church, and addressed the Sunday schools who 
collected in the church in the afternoon. 

4th Sabbath — I supplied for Mr. Nassau at Providence 



94 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

in the morning, and at Norristown in the evening, and 
had several prayer meetings in the week : also attended 
a public meeting with the Rev. Mr. Clay, in his church. 
The Lord kindly supported me, and brought me home 
in safety, and this week had a meeting on board the Ship 
Algonquin ; many attended ; very orderly. 

5th Sabbath — Attended the Mariner's church in the 
morning ; not well. 

September, 3d Sabbath — The seamen of the Ship 
Benjamin Rush presented a small ship to the Mariners' 
church, and desired to fix it there, which was allowed. 
The captain named it Beulah, from the 62d chapter of 
Isaiah, 4th verse. I therefore read the whole chapter, 
made some remarks on it, and then proceeded to im- 
prove the different parts of a ship, and the blessing of 
navigation in discovering our land of liberty. Mr. Mal- 
colm spoke in the afternoon from the 10th Psalm, 13th 
rerse. 

4th Sabbath — I lectured on the 3d chapter of Jonah ; 
was unwell ; did not go back in the afternoon. 

October, 3d Sabbath — Being our anniversary, seven 
years since we began Mariner's church. I spoke in the 
morning from Haggai ii. 9 : " The glory of the latter 
house," &c. Mr. Eustace in the afternoon from Hebrews 
X. 30 : " Vengeance belongeth," &c. 

Nov. 3d Sabbath — I was at Baltimore at the opening 
of the Mariner's meeting. I spoke in the morning from 
Haggai ii. 9. Rev. Mr. Henshaw in the afternoon from 
Romans vi. 23 : " The wages of sin is death." We had 
meetings every evening while I was there in different 
places. 

4th Sabbath — I spoke in our Mariner's church from 
the 14th chapter of Mark. Mr. Eustace in the afternoon 
from Romans viii. 28 : " All things work together for 
good," &c. 

1827. January, 1st Sabbath — I spoke from Matthew 
vi. 33 : " But seek ye first the kingdom," <Sic. Rev. Mr. 
Shed, Preacher to Mariners in New-Orleans, spoke upon 
repentance, from several passages. 

3d Sabbath — 1 spoke from Numbers xxiii. 10; "Let 
me die the death of the righteous," &c. Not being well, 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 95 

and the weather cold, I did not go in the afternoon. Mr. 
Mitchelmore engaged to attend. 

4th Sabbath — Mr. Shed spoke in the morning from 
2 Corinthians v. 17. Mr. Fowler in the afternoon from 
2 Timothy iv. 6, 7, 8. I addressed the children, and 
took part morning and afternoon. 

April, 2d Sabbath — Mr. Dashiel spoke from Numbers 
xxiii. 10 : " Let me die,'' &.c. Mr. Mead in the afternoon 
from John v. 39 : " Search the Scriptures," &c. I took 
part each time, and attended a funeral of a sailor. 

3d Sabbath — I spoke from Romans iv. 25: "Who 
was delivered for our offences," &:c. Mr. Mitchelmore 
from Acts xxiv. 16: "A conscience void of offence," 
Szc. 

Made my report to Presbytery last week. 

4th Sabbath — I lectured on the 6th of Hebrews, par» 
ticularly the 1 9th verse : The anchor of hope — this has 
been blessed heretofore. Mr. Mitchelmore spoke in the 
afternoon from Isaiah liii. 1 : " Who hath believed our 
report," and gave a farewell address. 

5th Sabbath— I spoke from 1 Timothy iv. 8 : " Godli- 
ness is profitable unto all things," &:c. Mr. Livingston 
from Matthew v. 20 : " Except your righteousness shall 
exceed," &c. 

May, 1 st Sabbath — I lectured on the 3d of Acts. Dr. 
Janeway spoke from 2 Corinthians iv. 18. 

2d Sabbath — I lectured on the 6th of Daniel, particu- 
larly on prayer. Mr. Kennedy spoke from 2 Thessalo- 
nians. 

3d Sabbath — Mr. Williams, from Baltimore, spoke 
from Matthew xi. 28 : " Come unto me all ye that labour 
and are heavy laden," <Sz:c. Mr. Nevins of Baltimore, in 
the afternoon. 

4th Sabbath — Mr. Baker spoke on standing idle all the 
day. Mr. Kirkpatrick from 2d Psalm : " Kiss the son," 
«Sic. 

June, 1st Sabbath — I lectured on the 2d chapter of 

Acts. Many ministers being in the city, several came 

and assisted ; some from the General Synod of the Low 

Dutch church — They spoke well on different subjects. 

12 



96 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

This week I was very unwell, and applied for help in 
the Mariner's church, which I now expect. 

3d Sabbath— I spoke from the 33d of Ezekiel : The 
warning of the watchman ; and endeavoured to be faith- 
ful, not expecting to be able to attend there much longer 
It was a very solemn time. 

4th Sabbath — Mr. Dashiel supplied for me morning 
and afternoon. 

Mr. Eastburn's journal terminates with the last date 
mentioned above. It appears that he apprehended the 
speedy close of his ministerial labours ; nor was his ap- 
prehension unfounded. On a loose piece of paper found 
in the little book in which he kept his journal, he wrote 
as follows : — 

" For the Mariner''s Church, June 24, 1827. 
To lecture from the 25th verse of the 6th chapter 
2d Kings, and the following chapter, as the Lord may di- 
rect. — Sing 79th hymn, 1st book, beginning with the 3d 
verse — 25th Psalm, 2d part, S. M. ' Where shall the man 
be found' — 98th Psalm, 2d part, 'Joy to the world, the 
Lord is come.' I was not able to attend on the above 
day, but was confined at home." 

Thus it appears that this faithful servant of the Lord 
Jesus made a preparation for addressing his charge, 
which he was never able to use — a preparation, neither 
longer nor shorter than those which he usually made. 
Once after this, as we shall have occasion elsewhere to 
mention, and once only, he appeared before the inter- 
esting people to whom his heart and his prayers were 
ardently devoted, and by whom, in return, he was be- 
loved with truly filial and fervent affection. But on that 
occasion he was able to take but a small part in the pub- 
lic service. 

It seems proper that the effect of Mr. Eastburn's la- 
bours among seamen should here be more distinctly and 
connectedly stated than is done in his journal. For this 
purpose, the writer, before proceeding with his narrative, 
will avail himself of the report which was made and pub- 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 97 

lished the year preceding that in the beginning of which 
Mr. E. died. 

" By the first pubHcation relative to the rehgious in- 
struction of Mariners in the port of Philadelphia, it will 
be seen, that the attention to this object commenced on 
the third Sabbath of October, 1819; and under favour 
of Providence, it has continued to the present time, now 
seven years, with uninterrupted encouragement and suc- 
cess — manifesting that the Divine blessing has attended 
this labour of love. 

The building which has been erected as a Mariner's 
Church, being situated near to the Delaware river, in the 
very centre of the shipping business of the city, not only 
affords accommodation to about twelve hundred persons, 
but also furnishes warehouses, producing a rent of $872 
per annum. 

The edifice is constructed in such a manner as to af- 
ford three avenues to the Church, and six openings to the 
stores ; and thus these objects are prevented from inter- 
fering with one another. 

From the opening of the church to the present time, 
the worshipping assemblies have been generally very nu- 
merous, and in some instances so large that many per- 
sons, who could not be accommodated, were obliged to 
depart. In no instance has the Church been closed on 
the Sabbath throughout the year: and on but one occa- 
sion has the venerable Pastor been prevented, by indis- 
position, from officiating in his place. On two other 
Sabbaths, in the height of the warm season, he made a 
preaching excursion into the interior of the state, for the 
benefit of a change of air, calculated to invigorate both 
the body and the mind. Here then is there cause to erect 
an Ebenezer of praise to the Great Head of the Church, 
who has been pleased so graciously to prosper an institu- 
tion established to promote the best interests of Mariners, 
and who has, in mercy, crowned the means used with 
such abundant and visible success. 

The language of one and another of the Mariners is, 
" Come, and I will tell you what the Lord has done for 
my soul," believing that, " except a man be born again, 



98 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." The master 
of a vessel stated, that this passage of holy writ struck 
him like a flash of lightning, and produced a shock from 
which he never rested, till he obtained a hope that he 
knew what that change was which the passage describes : 
and he exhorted all within the hearing of his voice, to 
seek the pearl of great price. He died in the full assu- 
rance of seeing the kingdom of God. 

Females (for it is common for the families of the Mari- 
ners to be punctual in their attendance) are not less 
awake than those of the other sex, to the care of the soul 
as the one thing needful : and in the opinion of their 
spiritual guide, there is reason to hope that many of them 
are truly pious. One of their number remarked to the 
Preacher, that her name was Lydia^ and that it was upon 
an occasion of speaking on the text, contained in the 16th 
chapter of the Acts, and the 14th verse, that the Lord 
was pleased to open her heart, so that she attended unto 
the things which were spoken. 

The work of reformation is evident in many other 
respects. — The present highly respectable and indefati- 
gable Chief Magistrate of the city, has recently stated, that 
the Police Office is no longer a seat of Justice, as it for- 
merly was, for pronouncing judgmenton Mariners, brought 
there in a state of inebriation. A hke testimony is borne 
by a distinguished officer placed over the Customs of the 
district — it being a rare occurrence for a Mariner now to 
appear on the floor of the Custom-house under the in- 
fluence of intoxicating liquors. But above all, the trading 
part of the community, connected with vessels, are free 
to testify to the sobriety and orderly conduct of Mariners 
at the commencement of a voyage, (exhibiting a most 
striking contrast to former days) and also of the reports 
made to them by their Captains, of the subordination and 
unexceptionable conduct of sailors whilst they are at sea. 

Well may it be said, " What things hath God wrought 
among the Mariners !" " They that go- down to the sea 
in ships, and do business in great waters, these see the 
works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep ; these 
cry unto the Lord in their tio able, and he bringeth them 
out of their distresses." " He maketh the storm a calm, 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 90 

SO that the waves are still : then they are glad, and cry, 
Oh ! that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, 
and for his wonderful works to the children of men !'"' 
Is there not much encouragement to hope from such 
facts, that the set time to favour Mariners is come, and 
that the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto 
God? Many days do not now pass without Mariners 
being seen who are awake to a general and particular 
Providence, while they behold the works of the Lord, 
and his wonders in the deep. 

To the devoted and patriarchal Preacher on whom 
devolves the interesting charge of ministering statedly to 
the Seamen, nothing could afford more joy and rejoicing 
to his heart, than he experiences in seeing the bread he 
has cast upon the waters, thus returning after many days, 
according to the Divine promise — and in contemplating 
still brighter prospects in future. The sum and substance 
of his preaching is, repent, or perish — believe in the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved. Gospel simplicity is 
well suited to his audience ; and his practice, very fre- 
quently, is, to lecture on the substance of a chapter, 
dwelling most on the parts particularly adapted to ex- 
isting circumstances. This mode, it is believed, the Mar- 
iners are best pleased with ; and it has the effect of pro- 
ducing a habit of thinking on what they hear and read. 

Passing occurrences are also very happily improved 
by the Preacher, as will appear in the use made of the 
following incident. The ship's company of the Benjamin 
Rush, presented to the Mariner's Church, a miniature 
ship prepared for the purpose, in a late voyage to Canton, 
rigged in the most perfect style, and now moored over 
the pulpit in the Mariner's Church. The day after it 
was placed there, being the Sabbath, the speaker ob- 
served that the hull of the ship composed of many pieces, 
bound round with plank, was like our bodies composed 
of many parts, covered with flesh and skin. If the ship 
leaked, he observed, it caused hard labour at the pumps : 
so sin indulged would cause great sorrow both here and 
hereafter. If a plank gave way, the ship would sink ; 
and if the thread of life should break, the soul would de- 
part immediately into the eternal world. The masts and 



100 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

rigging being intended for the purpose of spreading sails, 
that the ship might be speedily conveyed from port to 
port, might show the need of using the means of grace, 
which the Lord has appointed, and in the proper use of 
which we may hope to obtain the influence of the Holy 
Spirit, as a heavenly wind to take us to the haven of 
eternal rest. 

The captain of the ship in which this model was made 
had given it the name of " Beulah," taken from Isaiah 
Ixii. 4, " No more forsaken," and this text was inscribed 
on the Burgee at the fore royal mast head. It was ob- 
served from this that sailors had formerly said no one 
cared for their souls, but now it was remarked they were 
earnestly invited to come to the blessed Saviour, and all 
who should comply with the invitation might call their 
Maker their Father. On the main royal mast head was 
the flag with Bethel written on it. That, said the preacher, 
should always remind us of Jacob's vision at Bethel, 
where he saw the ladder set up from Earth to Heaven, 
and the Lord at the head of it. Seamen when mounting 
the shroud should think of being prepared to be wrapped 
in a shroud. The American flag at the stern shows the 
importance of navigation, without which Columbus would 
never have discovered this happy land. This ship has 
anchors at her bows, but if they were cast out where 
there were no soundings, it would do them no good ; so 
if they should be trusting in the general mercy of God, 
without having their hope fixed on the foundation he has 
laid in Jesus Christ, they must certainly perish ; but if 
fixed on him within the vail, they would at last be safely 
brought up into eternal rest and happiness. The compass 
being absolutely necessary for the helmsman to know 
how to steer the ship, should remind us that the Scrip- 
tures alone can direct us to the port of eternal glory." 
After the address some account was given of the expe- 
rience of Seamen ; and the whole service was attended 
to with deep solemnity. The church was crowded, and 
a hberal deposit was made in the boxes. % * ^• 

The Sunday School is composed of a President and 
nineteen Teachers, and two hundred and twenty-five 
scholars. The Teachers are of the Methodist, Episcopal 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 101 

and Presbyterian persuasions; seven of them profess re- 
ligion publicly, the others are serioJisly inchned. The 
pupils are the children of Mariner?;, or of those who 
worship ill the Church. The nutoher^enerdiy attending 
at one time does not exceed ofie hundred aad f.tty, and 
with which the gallery is hi led. 

Although the desirable circumstsiice cannot be stated 
of any of those pupils having made a public professiim of 
religion, yet the death-bed of some, who have been called 
into the eternal world, has given evidence that they have 
made a happy exchange. 

The children sing a hymn on every occasion of meet- 
ing and receive an address from the Preacher before 
public worship. They appear to be benefited, and many 
of them evidently are seriously impressed. Some of the 
old scholars who now frequent the sea, whenever they 
return home manifest their attachment to the school in 
which they have been taught ; and often display a New 
Testament bearing evident marks that it has been in 
much use. 

The fiscal concerns of the School are in a measure 
easy. It is supported by the contributions of its mem- 
bers, and sixty annual subscribers at one dollar each. 

Whilst the Mariner's Church has so much reason to 
sing of mercy, an event has nevertheless taken place in 
the past year, of a very afflictive and mournful kind. 
We refer to the lamented death of one of its earliest and 
most efficient friends ; the late estimable and excellent 
Christian mariner, Commodore Dale. His is a name 
distinguished in the naval history of America, and it is 
here recorded with all the sweet recollections, attending 
the memory of the just : He was an Israelite indeed, in 
whom there was.no guile. By the Preacher as well as 
by all concerned in the establishment, he was a friend 
most highly valued ; a supporter, a counsellor, a pillar of 
the Institution. His Christian meekness and gospel sim- 
plicity ; his uniformity of character and devotedness to 
every good word and work ; his evangelical principles ; 
his holy zeal, to build up the Redeemer's kingdom on 
earth ; and especially the importance of his services to 
the cause of the Mariner, procured for him an elc- 



102 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

vated statioij in the community m which he Hved, and 
inspires the tirm behef that the pubUc loss is his own 
etenial gain. 

The Church of Christ is one, and all the friends of 
Zion wiii feel a strong desire to promote her hiterests 
in every part of the world ; those however who are more 
immediately concerned in efforts for the religious im- 
provement of Seamen, will feel a peculiar obligation and 
desire to attend to this particular duty: such has been 
the motive which has actuated the aged and zealous 
Preacher of this Church to undertake visits to New- York 
and Baltimore. In the former city great things have been 
done for the promotion of the Mariners' cause in general, 
particularly in the recent establishment of an " American 
Seamen's Friend Society," the object of which, in ad- 
dition to the public administration of the gospel, is speci- 
fied in the following particulars. 

To estabhsh " reputable and orderly boarding houses 
in the several seaport towns of our country, where special 
attention will be paid as well to the morals as to the pro- 
tection of the property and civil rights of the Seamen, 
each of which houses, when practicable, is to be furnish- 
ed with a reading room and a small library of suitable 
books." 

"Register or Intelligence Offices, where Seamen of 
good character may have their names entered and 
lodgings designated, for apphcation by ship owners and 
masters." 

" A Saving Bank for the deposit on interest of such 
portion of the Seamen's earnings as they may deem ex- 
pedient." 

" The employment of Agents or Missionaries to traverse 
the coast, visit vessels and distribute Bibles and Tracts, 
and to co-operate with the local committees appointed 
for that purpose, to induce Seamen to r^gort to the board- 
ing houses under the patronage of the society, and to at- 
tend places of worship." 

" The establishment of schools for the instruction as 
well of adults as the children of Seamen." 

" To afford such aid as the means of the institution will 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. I OS 

allow to Marine preaching establishments and all kindred 
Institutions." 

The most entire approbation is given by us to the ob- 
jects expressed in the foregoing articles, and the hope is 
entertained that in process of time the benevolent views 
of the " American Seamen's Friend Society," will be 
carried into effect " in the several seaport towns of our 
country." 

In Baltimore it appears there is in great forwardness, 
and very near to completion, a new building designed for 
a Mariner's Church — the consecration of wliich is in con- 
templation very shortly ; to attend which the venerable 
Preacher here is invited and expects to officiate.* 

At Boston, Charleston, South Carolina, Norfolk and 
New-Orleans, similar establishments have been made ; 
much activity is known to prevail in the two first, and 
it is hoped, that there is no want of a holy zeal in the 
others. For the New-Orleans establishment a Reverend 
gentleman has been deputed by a society formed at that 
place, to travel and solicit funds in aid of erecting a 
Mariner's Church. That port being the resort of nume- 
rous vessels from different parts of the world, affords a 
large field for benevolent-exertions, and has a peculiar 
claim on other places for aid, from the circumstance that 
very few of the Seamen are other than strangers. 

The communications from London, embracing a cor- 
respondence with the Rev. G. C. Smith, the distinguished 
Preacher of the Mariner's Church in that city, and 
Thomas Philips, Esq. Secretary of the British and Foreign 
Seamen's Friend Society and Bethel Union, have afford- 
ed the most ample and satisfactory information of the 
blessed work prevailing among Seamen in England, and 
also of the deep concern which appears to be implanted 
in the hearts of British Christians to promote this glo- 
rious cause, not only in their own land, but throughout 
the world. 

***** :^ ♦ 

In concluding this statement, it is felt to be incumbent. 



* It appears from Mr. Eastburn's jouraal, that he did attend and 
o£iciate on the occasion here referred to. 
K 



104 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

that we should be deeply sensible of the goodness of God, 
in condescending so remarkably to smile on the effort 
which has here been made, to extend the blessings of the 
gospel to our sea-faring brethren ; that we should humbly 
and fervently implore his gracious benediction on all the 
endeavours we shall use, for the same purpose, in time to 
come; and that while we earnestly solicit our fellow 
Christians to unite their supplications with ours in this 
behalf, we should express our gratitude to those who 
have already favoured our undertaking with their patron- 
age and their prayers/' 

The foregoing report is the last which has been pub- 
lished, in relation to the Mariner's church in Philadel- 
phia. Mr. Eastburn was present when it was read, and 
participated largely in the pleasure which all the friends 
of the establishment experienced, in contemplating its 
prosperity and its prospects. Previously, however, as 
appears from his journal, his health had, for some time, 
been less firm than usual ; and his unabated exertions, 
when he was verging on the age of fourscore, had doubt- 
less some effect in increasing his infirmities, and hasten- 
ing the period when he was to exchange them all for im- 
mortal bliss, activity and vigour. His decline was gradual, 
and he continued to preach occasionally, even after his 
worthy successor, the Rev. Alfred H. Dashiel, stood 
ready to supply his place, whenever his feebleness might 
demand aid or relief. It appears from the journal, that 
Mr. Dashiel performed the last service for which Mr. E. 
made preparation, but which he found himself unable to 
attempt. 

On the 26th of June, 1827, the writer of these memoirs 
paid a visit to his aged friend, drawing near in appear- 
ance to the eternal world ; but not in much pain at the 
time, and in perfect possession of all his powers of intellect 
and speech. The conversation, which lasted for perhaps 
an hour, turned on scenes past, present, and to come ; 
and terminated in a distinct agreement to pray daily for 
each other, till one or the other should become silent in 
death. For the two immediately succeeding months the 
writer was, the most of the time, absent from the city, 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 105 

and at a considerable distance from it. On one occasion, 
a rumour where he was, announced the death of Mr. 
Eastburn, with such circumstances of probabiUty as to 
leave no doubt in the mind of the writer, that he was no 
longer in a situation to be the proper subject of prayer ; 
and in place of petitions for him, thanksgivings for his 
edifying example, and supplications to be prepared to join 
him in a better world, seemed to be the incumbent duty 
of the survivor. On returning to the city however, he 
was agreeably surprised to find that his old friend was 
still in life ; and that, on hearing of the rumour which 
had consigned him to the grave, he had said — " as yet, 
there is no such good news." He even revived so much 
after this, that in the month of September he was once car- 
ried to his beloved Mariner's Church, where he made a 
short address to the Sabbath school children, and one still 
shorter to the mariners themselves. This was his fare- 
well interview with them, and was so regarded by all the 
parties concerned — It is almost needless to say, that tears 
in abundance were shed on the occasion. 

The organic disease of Mr. E. which terminated in 
death, was of the stomach and bowels, unaccompanied 
by fever till near its fatal issue. He had but Httle ease, 
except when it was procured by the use of anodynes ; 
and at times his pain was extreme. Mortification was 
much apprehended, but it never took place. His appe- 
tite, in the progress of his complaint, entirely failed, and 
the powers of nature sunk by degrees, till the lamp of 
life went out by a gradual extinction. 

To all who are acquainted with the influence which 
the bodily organization has on the mind, it will be obvi- 
ous to remark, that the circumstances in which Mr. E. 
approached his dissolution, were exactly those which are 
least favourable to clear perceptions, and vigorous mental 
exercises. The mind which is not clouded, or debili- 
tated, by the relaxation of all the springs of life, and the 
constant use of opiates, must be sustained and invigorated 
in no ordinary manner ; and that examples of this descrip- 
tion have sometimes been seen, the writer is not disposed 
to deny. The subject of this memoir, however, did not 
furnish such an example. The usual influence of disease, 



lOG MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

and the usual effects of remedies, were, in his case, fully 
apparent. His mind, indeed, suffered no alienation, till 
very near the close of his mortal career, and then it was 
only fitful and partial. But in perspicuity, sensibility, 
vigor, and animation, he was manifestly different from 
what he had been immediately before his confinement. 
It was therefore not wonderful, that on spiritual subjects, 
as on all others, he was less excitable than he was wont 
to be in health. He expressed no rapturous views of 
divine things. He used none of that language of ecstatic 
delight in God, and animated triumph over death and the 
grave, which is sometimes witnessed in holy men, as they 
draw near to the eternal world ; and which he would 
have been the last man on earth to censure or undervalue- 
But what he exhibited — and it was most edifying and de- 
lightful to see it — was the blessed effects of long habits 
of piety — an humble, stedfast assurance of an interest 
in the unchanging covenant of grace. If his hope of 
heaven was ever shaded, it was but a passing cloud, a 
momentary eclipse. For more than seven months, during 
which he labored under the disease that terminated in 
death, the habitual state of his mind was that of unre- 
served submission to the will of God, thankfulness for his 
mercies, a placid, tranquil, unwavering trust in the divine 
promises, and an unshaken expectation of a speedy and 
eternal vision and fruition of his covenant God and Sa- 
viour. The writer finds, on consulting his diary, that on 
the 12th of January, a little more than a fortnight before 
Mr. Eastburn's death, the following memorandum is en- 
tered — " I found at my house, on returning from 

paying what I expect will be my last visit to father 
Eastburn. I conversed with him, and he told me that he 
had not a doubt ^ or a fear^ in regard to his future happi- 
ness. He thanked me for what I had done for him, in 
bringing him into public usefulness. I prayed with him, 
and was a good deal affected :" — Such is a short-hand 
memorandum, made when no thought was entertained 
of penning these memoirs, or that the record would be 
intelligible to any human eye but the writer's own — It is 
now published, as exhibiting the general state of the mind 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 107 

of this man of God, in the near view of eternity. He 
languished till the morning of the 30th of January, 1828, 
when, without a struggle, he fell asleep in Jesus, and 
went to be for ever with the Lord^ 



CHAPTER VII. 

Miscellaneous particulars and remarks — Conclusion. 

Of the excellent man who is the subject of these 
memoirs, it may be gratifying to the reader to know 
somewhat more than is contained in the foregoing narra- 
tive. It may also be proper for the writer to make some 
additional remarks. 

The person of Mr. Eastbum was in no respect peculiar. 
His stature was a little below the middle size, and his 
frame was such as to favor the activity for which he 
was always remarkable. A better likeness of his face, 
in the last ten years of his life, could scarcely be given in 
an engraving, than is exhibited in that which accompanies 
these memoirs. — His aspect in younger life was con- 
siderably different. In public speaking his countenance 
and eyes often expressed much animation, and he used a 
good deal of unstudied, yet not ungraceful gesticulation 
— when much engaged, as was often the case, his whole 
body seemed to be agitated by the fervors of his mind. 
Still there was nothing, of that boisterous, loud and en- 
thusiastic rant, in which extemporaneous speakers in the 
pulpit too often indulge. His voice was strong and his 
speech articulate ; and there was seldom any hesitation, 
or appearance of difficulty to get forward, in his public 
addresses. They were generally fluent, and always 
characterized by great solemnity. 

He was singularly neat in his dress, and in all his 
habits ; and he could scarcely refrain from showing his 
disapprobation, when he saw the want of an attention to 
decency of appearance in others. His mechanical busi- 
ness had not rendered him uncouth or awkward in his 
K 2 



108 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN, 

behaviour. His address and manners, although destitute 
of polish, were agreeable and even prepossessing. The 
genuine influence of Christian meekness and courtesy 
seemed to throw a charm around him, wherever he went, 
or whatever he did or said. 

His natural temper seems to have been hasty ; but it 
was so softened, subdued, and regulated by divine grace 
and habitual watchfulness, that it rarely discovered itself. 
On the contrary he was a bright example of forbearance, 
caution, prudence, and the endurance of injury and even 
of insult, without anger or resentment. One instance is 
recollected of his using an expression which he after- 
wards thought harsh and unwarranted, and he could not 
be at peace with himself, till he had expressed to the 
offended party his sorrow for the offence. He never in- 
dulged in levity, but was remarkably social and cheerful ; 
and kindness, sympathy, and a desire to relieve distress, 
whether of a temporal or a spiritual kind, were prominent 
features of his character. 

The best men are not without their imperfections, and 
that which the writer thought the most visible in Mr. E., 
was precisely that which Kippis has noticed in the 
character of Dr. Doddridge, " that he was fonder of ap- 
plause, from every quarter, than was desirable in one 
who was so justly entitled to it." Yet it is but justice 
to add that this foible diminished as his usefulness in- 
creased ; till, toward the close of life, when both useful- 
ness and applause were most abundant, his love of praise 
seemed to be nearly extinct. He grew in humility, and in a 
disregard of all but the approbation and glory of God, as 
he drew nearer to the end of his course and the rest and 
reward of heaven. 

It was observed, in the commencement of these me- 
moirs, that Mr. E. had " no pretensions to genius, no emi- 
nence of intellectual powers or attainments." Such cer- 
tainly was the fact, taking the terms used in the assertion 
in their customary acceptation ; and jet, if there be such 
a thing as a genius for religion, he possessed it — it 
is beyond a question that piety elevated his intellectual 
powers, in regard to every thing in which piety was con- 
cerned. Without piety, he would probably never have 



MEMOIRS OP THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 109 

been remarkable for any thing but his mechanical in- 
dustry, and good common sense. He does not appear to 
have been formed for Hterary improvement, if he was 
even capable of it. He has mentioned, in his account of 
the former part of his life, that his assiduous application 
to study, while at the grammar school of Dr. Robert 
Smith of Pequea, produced a pain in his breast, which 
compelled him to return to his mechanical employment. 
This was undoubtedly true ; but the late Rev. Dr. John 
Smith, who was then a student or a teacher in his father's 
grammar school, told the writer that Mr. E. was not able to 
master the Latin grammar, and it is certain that he never 
did master it. Probably the efforts he made, by night 
and by day, to effect what to him was peculiarly difficult, 
produced the complaint of his breast which drove him 
from the school. He wrote a plain legible hand, but was 
far from correct in the grammar of his own language. 
His reading was much more scanty than that of hundreds 
of mechanics, in situations less favorable than his own 
to the possession and perusarof books. Among his papers, 
the bookseller's receipt for Scott's Commentary was 
found, dated January 19th, 1809. This, there is little 
doubt, was the first commentary, and the only one, that 
he ever owned. The writer remembers lending him 
a volume of Henry's Commentary, several years before 
this, but he did not retain it long. He was much accus- 
tomed to compare scri?;ture with scripture, and thus to 
be his own commentator. His memory, although not 
tenacious of the Latin or any other grammar, seemed to 
be formed to receive and retain the words of Holy Scrip- 
ture, and to be a receptacle for devotional psalms and 
hymns almost without number. He knew a large part 
of the Bible by heart, and could repeat the devotional 
poetry of Watts, and of some other writers, to a wonder- 
ful extent, and with gieat accuracy. This too was the 
man who, in his public prayers and discourses, used his 
mother tongue with a readiness and propriety seldom 
exceeded by those who speak what they have not pre- 
com^josed, or studiously prepared. The truth was, that 
he threw his whole soul into vvb-it he delivered in public ; 
and this so carried his hearers along with him, as left 



110 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

them little leisure or inclination to notice any slight in- 
accuracies of expression in what they heard ; and hence 
his public addresses were acceptable, and often delight- 
ful, even to nice and fastidious ears. On the subjects of 
religion he likewise seemed to possess no inconsiderable 
share of imagination, as well as a capacity for promptly 
adapting scriptural truth, both historical and doctrinal, 
to particular subjects and occasions, which few educated 
preachers ever excel, and many never equal. At concerts 
for prayer, and all incidental religious services at which 
special addresses were to be delivered, father Eastburn 
was looked to, as one w^hose presence and assistance were 
peculiarly desirable. Shortly after the writing of these 
memoirs was announced, the following unsolicited note 
was received from the respectable citizen whose name it 
bears : — 

Dear Sir, 

A circumstance respecting the Rev. Mr. Eastburn, 
which fell within my knowledge, may perhaps deserve a 
passing notice, in your intended Memoir. 

Two of my apprentices were drowned in one of the 
ponds in the suburbs of this city, some years ago. Mr. 
Eastburn happened to be in the grave-yard, and seeing 
that no person was prepared to address the assembled 
crowd, he undertook that office, and delivered an extem- 
poraneous address, perfectly suited to the occasion — one 
of the most affecting I ever heard in my life. 

Yours very respectfully, 

February 9th. Mathew Carey. 

The following extracts from a letter which had been 
solicited from the Rev. William S. Plumer of North 
Carolina, will illustrate several traits in the character of 
Mr. E., as well as give the reader a good idea of his 
preaching powers. 

Warrenton, N. C. July 1th, 1828. 
Rev. and Dear Father : — 
When in the city, 1 promised you some little sketches 
^f the life of Mr. Eastburn. * * * * 

In October, 1825, 1 visited Philadelphia, and called on 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 1 1 1 

Father Eastburn. When I first called, he was not at 
home. 1 was told that he was visiting the sick, in a part 
of the city rather destitute of pastoral labors ; but that 
he would be at home in half an hour. I accordingly 
waited until his return. At the appointed time, he came. 
After Christian salutation, he said he had been visiting — 
had seen many very distressed people, and especially 
one. " She is a young lady,'' said he, " whose mother is 
dead, and whose father and only brother are infidels, and 
very bold in wickedness. The young lady is under soul- 
concern (a very common expression with Mr. E.) I got 
to her room, when her father and brother were from 
home, and I talked to her much about the plan of salva- 
tion. Poor thing, she was very ignorant, and she is very 
much distressed. While I was talking, I heard some 
person coming in — I was told it was her father, and that 
he would be very angry. Presently the door was opened 
noisily, and a man forty or fifty years old entered the 
room, in a very blustering and angry manner. He first 
accosted me by saying, ' And who are you V (he knew 
who I was :) I told him my name was Eastburn. ' And 
what are you doing here ? We want none of your religion 
here. We have sorrow enough already.' ' My friend,' 
said I, 'I heard that' your daughter was sick, and that 
her mind was troubled about her sins, and I knew that 
Christ Jesus came to save the chief of sinners ; and I 
thought I would come and tell her.' Here a conversation 
ensued — the father became less irritated, and at last, be- 
fore I came away, he was willing that I should pray with 
and for his daughter. Now," continued the old gentle- 
man, " we can bring almost any body over, if we will be 
mild, and calm, and affectionate." 

Before I left him, I said, " Father Eastburn, you have 
been long in the service of Christ ; what advice would 
you give, in few words, to one who, like myself, was 
about to enter the ministry." His answer was : " When 
I was a young man, I asked Dr. John Mason, the father 
of Dr. John M. Mason, nearly the same question. 1 asked 
him what advice he would give to a young Christian. I 
will give you his answer — it was this: *When you are 
about to engage in prayer, remember what the object of 



112 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

prayer is. When some people pray, they seem to be 
paying their compUments to God, as to some great man. 
God wants no compliments. Learn to converse with 
the Lord, to talk with him. The secret of the Lord is 
7vith them that fear him.'' If 1 may add any thing to this, 
continued Mr. E., I would say, when you read the scrip- 
tures, do not read too fast. If, in reading, the mind strikes 
a rich vein of thought, do not call it back : let it go on 
for a while. This is the way to have profitable thoughts, 
and to be filled with the knowledge of God. My best 
and happiest frames are brought on in this way." This 
advice shows clearly that Mr. E. was a grozving Chris- 
tian ; that he " increased in the knowledge of God, and in 
spiritual understanding." 

It is possible that some may have supposed Mr. E.'s 
talents far below what they really were. He was not 
learned ; he was not methodical ; nor had he any of that 
sophomorical eloquence, which produces pleasant sound. 
" Words ought surely to be labored," says Dr. Johnson, 
" when they are intended to stand for things ;" and only 
then is there need of laboring them. Although there 
was nothing of this kind, yet there was a deep interest 
kept up in his public services. No man could look at 
him, and be disposed to criticise. Every man felt that 
Mr. E. was an honest man ; and therefore the hearer 
very much resigned himself to the speaker. 

I heard him, in February, 1826, lecturing on the first 
fourteen verses of Genesis, 22d chapter. The first part 
of the sermon was descriptive of the age, appearance, 
family, feelings, and conduct, of Abraham. He often per- 
sonated Abraham, in the course of his remarks. Having 
followed this course some distance, he, at length, repre- 
sented Abraham as having arrived on the mount with his 
son — " Here came the conflict," said Mr. E. He then 
briefly summed up the feelings of Abraham, while " he 
built an altar, and laid the wood in order there." The 
interest he now threw into the description was worthy 
of the subject; and would have done credit to any man. 
When he described Abraham " binding his son, laying 
him on the altar upon the wood, and stretching forth his 
hand and taking the knife to slay his son," it seemed al- 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. US 

most as if the scene described was one we could all see. 
The audience was still, and hung upon his lips. " At this 
critical moment," said the old gentleman, " a voice was 
heard, saying, Abraham, Abraham." These last words he 
pronounced very rapidly, and as we mi^ht suppose one 
would do who saw another in great dagger. The effect 
was as great as any 1 have e^jer seen produced by descrip- 
tion. I am persuaded that one-half of the congregation 
involuntarily moved forward, rather raisia^i themselves 
from their seats, as if to seize the father's hand, and save 
the life of Isaac. All this was done in perfect simplicity. 
A little child never spoke with more artlessness, or re- 
moteness from affectation. 

Institution of worship among mariners. — Mr. E. gave 
the following account of the first meeting for mariners in 

Philadelphia. " hi the year we determined to have 

a meeting for the dear mariners, and procured for that 
purpose a sail-loft. On the sabbath, we hung out a flag. 
As they came by, they hailed us, ' Ship ahoy !' We an- 
swered them. They asked us ' where we were bound V 
We told them, to the port of New Jerusalem ; that we 
sailed under admiral Jesus, a good commander; that we 
wanted men ; that we had several ships ; that there was 
the ship Methodist, the ship Baptist, the ship EpiscopaHan, 
the ship Presbyterian, he. ; that they might have choice 
of ships and of under officers, but that they would do 
well to go in the fleet. ' Well,' said they, ' we will come in, 
and hear your terms ;** and here," said Mr. E., " was the 
beginning of our Mariner's Church — And now, when any 
of them express a desire to join a church, I ask them 
what church they would wish to join, and I go with them, 
and introduce them to the pastor of the church, and tell 
him what I know about them." 

Thus I have imperfectly fulfilled my promise. I have 
given you the most striking sketches, that I remember. 
1 have given you only the substance. I think that what 
I have stated is strictly true, certainly not beyond the 

truth. — You can make what use you please of it. 

* * ^ * * * 



114 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

In these memoirs Mr. Eastburn is frequently nnentioned 
as tne pastor of the Mariner's Church, and is also styled 
Reverend. To prevent misapprehension, and indeed to 
correct that winch has, to a certain extent, already taken 
p'ace,, >t rtiay be proper to remark that according to the 
techTxical use of the terms Pastor and Reverend, Mr. E. 
was entitled to neither; alibough, in their general import, 
it is believed that he had a good claim to both. Neither 
Pastor nor Reverend js technically or customarily ap- 
plied to any man who is not an ordained minister of the 
gospel, which Mr. E. never was ; and the former term is 
used to desi;^nate one who is not only ordained, but who 
has the stated charge of a particular church and con- 
gregation, in which he both preaches and administers the 
sacraments ; and in Mr. E.'s licensure it was expressly stip- 
ulated that " he should not consider himself as a candidate 
for the pastoral office."* The Mariner's Church, more- 
over, was established by a joint effort of several religious 
denominations, and it could not, without some new ar- 
rangement, be placed under what is usually denominated 
the pastoral care of a minister belonging to any one of 
these denominations. 

But the word pastor or shepherd, in its general appli- 
cation to the duties of a minister of the gospel, refers 
chiefly to his obligation to feed a flock of Christ, of which 
he has the oversight, with spiritual food ; to watch over 
them, and in every way to promote their spiritual wel- 
fare : and never did a minister of the gospel labor more 
assiduously than did Mr. Eastburn, to give to the people 
of his charge — his " dear Mariners" — a full and the most 
suitable supply of the bread and the waters of lifi ; to 
watch for their souls ; to visit them in sickness ; to warn 
them of danger ; and to " guide their feet into the way of 

* In this stipulation, which was agreed to without any reluctance 
on the part of Mr. Eastburn, regard was had by the presbytery, not 
only to the defects of his education, but also, and chiefly, to the state 
of his mind in regard to the sacrament of baptism. It is believed by 
the writer that his sentiments on this subject were somewhat different 
before his death, from what they were at the time of his licensure. 
But at that time, he could not, if he had been a pastor, have bap- 
tized infants at all, nor adults in any form but by immersion. He 
could not, of course, be a pastor in a Presbyterian church. 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 115 

peace." — To them, therefore, he was truly and emphat- 
ically a pastor. 

Johnson's definition of the word Reverend^ in its gen- 
eral import, is " venerable ; deserving reverence, enforc- 
ing respect by his appearance." And to whom was all 
this more applicable, than to the truly venerable man who 
is the subject of these memoirs? The word, says the 
great lexicographer, is "an honorary epithet of the 
clergy." — And the epithet was courteously given to Mr. 
Eastburn, by such a voluntary, general, and cordial suf- 
frage of the religious public, as but few could command. 

If any should be disposed to make the case of Mr. E. 
a plea for the introduction of men into the gospel ministry 
without more education than he possessed, they ought to 
be informed that they could not have obtained his sanction, 
or countenance, to such a plea. He never thought him- 
self qualified for the pastoral office, as the phrase is usually 
understood ; and it is believed he would not have con- 
sented to accept it, if it had been offered and even urged 
upon him. He always lamented that he was not better 
furnished than he was, for the limited duties of an exhorter 
and preacher. He had the good sense to know, that he 
had not the "treasure" of theological knowledge, out 
of which he could " bring forth things new and old" in a 
stated charge. Let those therefore Vviio aspire to be what 
he was, have some good evidence that their qualifications 
are equal, or similar, to those which he possessed. The 
writer has always considered the case of Mr. Eastburn as 
nearly unique — as standing by itself. He has never re- 
gretted, and thinks he shall never regret, the instrumen- 
tality he had, in giving to this extraordinary man the qual- 
ified licensure which was granted him. He .would vote 
to give it to another of like qualifications, if another could 
be found. But another such he never expects to see. 
A man like Mr. Eastburn does not often appear — a man 
who had such a force of piety, as far more than counter- 
balanced the wants and defects which must for ever, and 
completely, disqualify ordinary Christians for the sphere 
in wliich he moved. 

L 



116 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

CONCLUSION. 

It was stated in the introduction to these memoirs, that 
a principal design in writing them was, to show what 
" simple, genuine, consistent, fervent, active, eminent 
piety may effect," even when unaided by rank, genius, 
education or wealth. And we have now seen that such 
a piety, and so unaided, did, in the case of Mr. Eastburn, 
secure to him a personal influence and esteem among 
various denominations of Christians, and among people 
of all descriptions of character, that was truly wonderful. 
This is manifest from numerous facts recited in these 
memoirs, as well as from the demonstration of public 
respect which was exhibited at his funeral — a demonstra- 
tion which many have thought and said, the death of no 
other citizen of Philadelphia could have produced. But — 
what was of infinitely more importance than any " honor 
which cometh from man," and was so regarded by Mr. 
Eastburn himself — the influence and esteem which he 
had acquired, enabled him to do good to the souls of men, to 
a most uncommon extent. It is scarcely credible in what a 
number of households in the city of his residence his name 
is precious, and will long be so, for some profligate of a 
family reclaimed and converted by his kind and faith- 
ful admonitions ; for some laboring mind directed by his 
instructions and counsels to the Saviour ; for some sick 
or dying member edified by his conversation and prayers ; 
and for the mourners whom his presence, and sympathy, 
and exhortation, soothed, sustained, and comforted. But 
besides all this, it is probable that his preaching and ex- 
hortations during the four-and-twenty years of his public 
ministrations, were quite as instrumental as those of any 
other man in our country, during the same space, in turn- 
ing sinners " from darkness to light, and from the power 
of Satan unto God." They were, let it be remembered, 
the gifts of divine grace, in their large bestowment to this 
eminent Christian, which God was pleased thus to honor ; 
and let the praise and glory of his own gifts be given to 
God alone. 

But surely such a character as that of Mr. E. furnishes 
a very strong presumption, if not a conclusive proof, of 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 117 

the truth of the whole gospel system. From the influ- 
ence of that system his mind unquestionably received, in 
relation to certain subjects, a strength and elevation 
which it could not have derived from any other source. 
Nor were his mental powers merely raised and invigo- 
rated ; they were, by the same influence, rendered most 
amiable and benevolent ; they were unceasingly devoted 
to the promotion of human happiness, in every way their 
possessor could devise ; and they were actually success- 
ful in advancing all the best interests of mankind, to a 
very unusual extent. Now, can a system productive of 
such effects be nothing more, or better, than a system of 
base falsehood and deception ? Must not such a system, 
on the contrary, be divine ? Must it not have come from 
Him " whose tender mercies are over all his works ?" 
Yes, indubitably — And such examples as that which we 
here contemplate, do in fact confound infidelity, silence 
its advocates, or prevent their influence, more than all 
the argumentative reasonings, powerful and useful as they 
are, by w^hich the truth of revelation is defended and 
established. 

The humblest Christian may also see, from the example 
before us, not only how much he may promote his own 
happiness, but how useful he may be to others, by dili- 
gently cultivating, and keeping in lively and vigorous ex- 
ercise the Christian graces, and by " adorning the doc- 
trine of God his Saviour, in all things." Although he 
may never, like Mr. Eastburn, become a public exhorter, 
still he may, " by well doing, put to silence the ignorance 
of foolish men." He may, by a heavenly temper and a 
holy hfe, more effectually recommend religion to all who 
observe his conduct, than can often be done by the most 
eloquent and cogent discourses. If Mr. Eastburn had 
not lived religioyi., his public addresses would have had 
little effect ; and it was in fact by Hving religion that he 
did more good than by his formal addresses. An exem- 
plary Christian life speaks a language which all under- 
stand, and which few are so hardened in wickedness as 
not in some measure to feel — They often feel it, even 
when they ridicule and profess to despise it : and some* 
times they so f^el it, that at last it produces repentance, 



118 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

reformation, and the salvation of the soul. There have 
of late been a number of instances, in which pious sailors 
and soldiers, by their good example and Christian de- 
portment, have drawn the attention of their companions 
(savingly it may be hoped) to attend to the things which 
belong to their peace ; and have produced a favorable 
impression even on their commanding oflicers. 

In the subject of these memoirs we see eminently veri- 
fied the important remark, that the most valuable of all 
distinctions, the distinction which is made by the grace 
of God, and which renders the subject of that grace a 
child of God and an heir of eternal glory, is not made 
according to those qualities and circumstances by which 
men usually class and measure their esteem for each 
other ; but may be the allotment of any of the human 
race, whatever be their standing in society, or the estima- 
tion made of them by their fellow mortals. Observa- 
tion, indeed, abur,dant]y shows, that this great and lasting 
distinction, which alone is worthy of much concern, is not 
most frequently possessed by men of high intellectual pow- 
ers, or brilliant endowments of any kind ; not commonly 
by tlie wise, the wealthy, the learned, the eloquent, or the 
powerful ; but by men of no eminence for genius, station, 
or property. In isvery succeeding age, it has been much as 
it was when the Saviour said, " 1 thank thee, O Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these 
things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed Ihem 
unto babes. Even so. Father, for so it seemed good in 
thy sight.*" — And when afterwards an inspired apostle 
said, " Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many 
wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many 
noble are called : But God hath chosen the foolish things 
of the world to confound the wise ; and God hath chosen 
the weak things of the world to confound the things 
which are mighty; and base things of the world, and 
things which are despised, hath God chosen ; yea, and 
things which are not to bring to nought things which are ; 
that no flesh should glory in his presence." 

Men make many classes and distinctions, but God 
makes account of one only — that which exists between 
his friends and his foes. This will shortly divide the 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBUEN. 119 

whole human family into two great companies. And 
oh ! when the assembled race of men shall stand before 
the judgment seat of Christ, how will the distinctions of 
this world be reversed ! How much more glorious will 
Joseph Eastburn then appear, than the unsanctified kings 
and conquerors, patriots and sages, orators and poets, 
wits and scholars, men of influence and men of wealth, 
who have been feared, or admired, or envied, and who 
may have tilled the world with their fame ! How would 
they rejoice to exchange their place of infamy and agony 
unutterable, for that of the humble mechanic, wearing 
his " crown of righteousness," acquitted and honored 
by his Judge, triumphing in his Saviour, surrounded by 
a happy throng whom his pious labors have led to glory, 
and saying, with adoring gratitude, " Behold I and the 
children that God hath given me." In the exercise of 
that faith, " which is the substance of things hoped for, 
and the evidence of things not seen," how ought the 
meanest disciple of Jesus, not only to be content with his 
present allotment, but to give thanks to God, whose 
grace has disposed and enabled him to choose " the good 
part which shall not be taken away from him." 

Mr. Eastburn's example as a man of prayer, was highly 
instructive and worthy of particular notice. His private 
devotions, indeed, remained private. — He has stated what 
they were, in his first religious exercises, in the narrative 
inserted in these memoirs ; but the writer does not re- 
member to have heard him speak of them in a single 
instance. Yet an observing person could not be in his 
company ieven for a day, without perceiving that he was 
one who communed much with his God ; that his " con- 
versation was in heaven." No doubt can exist that he 
was eminently a man of prayer. No one who did not 
pray much in secret, could pray as he did in public. In 
his public prayers, especially in the first part of them, he 
often seemed as if he was weighed down with a sense oi 
the divine presence, oi the holiness and majesty of & 
present God, of his own unworthiness, and his need of 
the intervention of a Mediator. Deep reverence and hu= 
mility marked every part of the exercise. — It was char- 
acterized throughout by solemnity and fervor. He rarel/j 
L2 



120 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURISf. 

if ever, hesitated ; his language was in a suitable degree 
scriptural, and in general pertinent and happy. His sup- 
plications frequently and strongly indicated that he was 
praying in faith, and that he looked for an answer. A 
petition which he often uttered was, " May we, O Lord, 
follow our prayers with expectation." 

In considering the unusual success which attended the 
labors of this holy man, who can doubt that it was 
greatly, nay chiefly, to be attributed to his prayers ? He 
was an Israelite, who " had power with God and pre- 
vailed." What he did he was prepared to do, by the 
influence of prayer on his own mind ; and when it was 
done, the answer of prayer rendered it successful. — A 
prayer-hearing God crowned what he did with the de- 
sired blessing. Others might, and often did, perform the 
same services which he performed, but seldom with the 
same happy result. How forcibly ought this to impress 
on the minds of all who minister in hoJy things, the infi- 
nite importance of their being men of prayer. Unless 
they truly possess this character, it is no wonder if they 
labor in vain : and is it rash or uncharitable to believe, 
that a deficiency in this particular is a principal cause 
that there is so much labor in vain, in the ministry of re- 
concihation ? 

In some respects, it is believed that many preachers 
of the gospel might learn a profitable lesson from the un- 
disciphned exhorter, whose memoirs we are closing. He 
was entirely willing to give himself for exactly what he 
was. He never labored, or appeared to be anxious, to 
do something that was out of his reach. He made no 
attempts to shine, or to say what should be thought novel, 
or unusually excellent. He had no affectation of elo- 
quence, and this made him at times truly eloquent. Al- 
though he never precomposed any thing, he took a good 
deal of care to say nothing that was not true, nothing ex- 
travagant, nothing that might mislead, nothing that might 
unnecessarily give offence ; but while he was speaking, 
he appeared as if he thought of nothing else but of doing 
good to souls ; he was carried along by his subject, and 
was apparently entirely unconcerned as to what his 
hearers might think or say of himself. Hence he was 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 121 

always ready to speak on any occasion, however unex- 
pected, in which duty appeared to call him to address 
an audience. He was willing to say what he could, afid 
to let it stand for just what it was worth. It is believed 
that if preachers generally acted more like Mr. Eastburn, 
in most of the particulars now stated, they would be 
more comfortable themselves, and be at once more ac- 
ceptable and more useful to their hearers. 

But in concluding these memoirs, which, from a regard 
to the subject of them, will probably be found in the 
hands of many seamen, the writer cannot satisfy himself, 
without making 

A SHORT ADDRESS TO MARINERS:— 

Especially to those who heard Mr. Eastburn preach, 
who asked and received his prayers, and who were 
warned and counselled by his Hps, now for ever closed 
in death : — 

Friends and Brethren, 

Did you not love father Eastburn ? You will doubtless 
answer that you did ; for almost every body loved him, 
and nobody more than mariners. Well then, have you 
shown your love to him, in that way which would have 
pleased him most — and in the only way, indeed, that he 
cared much about ? You certainly have not done this, 
if you have not comphed with his many and affectionate 
entreaties that you would seek the salvation of your 
souls, as "the one thing needful.'' He asked nothing of 
you but this. He would receive nothing but this, for all 
his exhortations, and entreaties, and visits, and kindnesses 
shown to you, and to many of your families ; and for all 
the prayers that he made for you in public, and many 
that he poured out in private, with many tears, that God 
would have mercy on you, and save you from eternal 
misery. Oh I he did most earnestly desire to see you 
solemnly engaged about your eternal well-being ; to see 
you inquiring what you should do to be saved, and with 
all your might pressing into the kingdom of God ! And 
now, will any of you refuse to give this proof of your 
love and gratitude, to a man who loved you so miich, and 
did so much for you ? and above all, will you refuse this 



122 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

to the blessed Saviour, who loved you more, and did 
more for you, than any mortal man could do — who came 
down from heaven to earth, and died the cursed death of 
the cross, that the curse of God might not rest on your 
souls for ever ? 

Do you not know that although you will never see 
father Eastburn again in this world, yet you will see him 
again in the world to come? Do you not know that you 
w^ill all meet him before the bar of God ? Yes, you will 
assuredly meet him there ; and there you will be called 
to a strict account for the manner in which you have 
treated every address that he ever made to you, and 
every prayer that you ever heard him make in the Mar- 
inei's Church, and every prayer you requested him to 
make for you there, and which he did make for you, 
when you were going on a voyage to sea, and when you 
were far away on the ocean. Truly, my friends, it will 
be an aw^ful account that you will have to give up, and 
an av/ful condemnation that will follow, if it shall then 
be found that you have not passed that great spiritual 
change, that being " born again," which father East- 
burn used so often to speak to you about. Alas ! if it 
shall then appear that you were never truly converted 
unto God, that you never truly repented of your sins 
and turned from them with all your heart, that you 
never truly trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
relied on his atoning sacrifice, finished righteousness, 
and prevalent intercession, as the sole ground of hope 
for acceptance with God; or that you never proved 
the truth of a supposed conversion by fleeing from all 
known sin, and by honestly endeavoring to obey all the 
commands of God — if this shall appear, it will be man- 
ifest that you died in your sins ; and he who once so 
earnestly and affectionately counselled, and warned, 
and entreated you to turn without delay unto the Lord — ■ 
even he will then become a swift witness against you ; and 
you will be condemned to be eternally separated from 
your dear old friend, and from all good beings, and will 
be sent away to dwell for a long eternity with the devil 
and his angels, in the tire that never shall be quenched. 
Be not offended, dear friends, at this plain language. It 



flIEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 123 

is spoken in love and kindness to your souls, and that the 
writer may deliver his own soul. What has been said 
is the truth of God, and such you will assuredly know it 
to be, either in this world or in eternity. Do not allow 
yourselves to be deceived in this great concern. Do not 
flatter yourselves with vain hopes, that it will go well 
with you at last, even if you indulge in sin ; and beware 
that you do not rely on repenting and turning to the 
Lord at some future time. No time, believe it, will be 
so favorable for this as the present. Even if you should 
die by a lingering disease, a sick and dying bed is a most 
unfavorable place and time to make your peace with 
God. You may not have the use of your reason then ; 
and if you have, the distress of the body will be enough 
to bear, without having the great work of your souls' sal- 
vation both to begin and finish. Beside, if you reckon 
on this, you may so grieve and offend the blessed Spirit 
of God, that he may leave you to yourselves, and then 
you will be sure to perish ; for without his gracious as- 
sistance you never will repent. You ought to recollect, 
moreover, that yours is a life of peril. You may be 
swallowed up in the ocean, without having a moment's 
time to prepare for eternity, if you have not done it be- 
forehand. O do not delay or trifle ! Break away, at 
once, from all your wicked associates. If they sneer and 
laugh at you, regard it not. Let them not banter you out 
of your souls ; they are too precious to be thrown away 
as a sacrifice to the sport of fools. Remember that 
3 our S.^viour bore much reproach and shame for you. 
Rejouvice all those lewd, filthy, intemperate and pro- 
fane practices, which destroy so many seamen, soul and 
body, f >r time and eternity. Set them all aside at once. 
Cry to God for help; attend mariners' meetings, where- 
ever you can find them ; and resolve, in the strength of 
the Almighty, that you will give no peace to yourselves, 
till your peace is made with God through the Lord Jesus 
Christ. " Behold now is the accepted time ; behold now 
is the day of salvation. To-day if you will hear his voice, 
harden not your hearts." 

But it is known that there are some — and for ever 
Messed be the name of the Lord that there are some, and 



124 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

would to God the number were much greater — who have 
received benefit, saving benefit, it is hoped, from the ser- 
vices performed in the Mariner's Church of Philadelphia. 
You, dear friends, have an important part to act, and 
much, very much, will depend on your acting it well. 
If you adorn religion, if you constantly show a good ex- 
ample, and use your influence prudently, and kindly, and 
perseveringly, to promote piety and good morals among 
your brother mariners, the effect, under the divine bless- 
ing, will be happy beyond all calculation. It may be 
the means of saving multitudes of sailors from present 
misery and wretchedness, and from eternal destruction 
beyond the grave. Much is now doing for the benefit of 
seamen, by good people in many parts of the world ; and 
surely it may be hoped that seamen themselves will do 
all in their power to promote the good cause — to help 
themselves, and serve their brethren. 

But, on the other hand, if any of those who profess to 
have felt the influence of religion turn back, if they apos- 
tatize, or if, without complete and final apostasy, they 
for only once indulge in any of the gross vices of seamen, 
the consequences will be incalculably mischievous. O 
what a triumph will it give to the wicked and licentious, 
and what a hindrance will it be to those who are engaged 
in promoting a better state of things among sea-faring 
men, whose comfort, and happiness, and spiritual interests, 
have been so long and shamefully neglected ! And will 
any sea-faring man do any thing to stop and throw back 
this good work ? Indeed he ought to dread it worse than 
death. But be aware that those who hate religion, and 
the work of reformation that is going on, will do what 
they can to tempt you to practices which will, if in- 
dulged in, bring reproach and distress on yourselves, and 
be a stumbling-block to those who may be thinking of 
reformation. Therefore, dear friends, keep a good look 
out ; and take heed to all your ways. Do not rely merely 
on your own prudence and strength; but often put up 
earnestly that petition of our Lord's prayer — " Lead us 
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." They only 
are well kept whom God keeps. Daily ask grace and 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 125 

guidance from on high. " In all your ways acknowledge 
God, and he will direct your paths." Much, both of 
your comfort and your safety, will depend on your keep- 
ing up, as far as possible, a lively sense of divine things 
in your own souls. This is the great secret of being 
happy, of avoiding evil, and of doing good. When the soul 
is alive to spiritual and heavenly realities, it so hates sin, 
and so loves God and goodness, that it will, instinctively 
as it were, shun and stand at a distance from any thing 
that would mar and destroy its holy pleasure. 

A mariner's life is, doubtless, in many respects, un- 
friendly to spiritual exercises, and lively religious feeling. 
Yet this should only make you the more resolute, watch- 
ful and careful. There is hardly a higher example of a 
devout and holy life, than that which was led by James 
Meikle, on board a man of war, and often without a 
single religious friend to speak to. The thing therefore 
is not impossible. Daily secret prayer — fervent effectual 
prayer — must not be neglected. The best advantages 
for this are, it is admitted, not often found on ship-board. 
Still, acceptable prayer can be performed on board of any 
ship, if only the heart is in the business. God knows 
the heart, and it is this only that he regards in prayer : 
and the heart may be lifted up to him, in any situation 
in which we can be placed. You will have some op- 
portunities to be alone, and these should be carefully im- 
proved for prayer, devout meditation, and communion 
with God. Read the Holy Scriptures as much and as 
often as you can ; peruse as many religious tracts as you 
can find ; commit psalms and hymns to memory ; and 
observe the Lord's day, as far as your circumstances and 
occupation will permit. It may be that you will be 
called to suffer persecution for the cause of Christ ; and 
if so, bear it patiently, perseveringly, and with prayer for 
your persecutors. But an exemplary and exact discharge 
of all the duties that belong to his station, and a respect- 
ful and ready obedience to those who have the com- 
mand, will commonly give even a common sailor favor 
in the eyes of his superiors ; and while diligence and 
fidelity in business is an important Christian duty in itself, 



126 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

it also serves to recommend religion to others, more in 
deed than all the talk in the world, if this be neglected. 
It is doubtless the duty of seamen to speak to each 
other, on the concerns of their souls. This, however, 
must be done discreetly and seasonably ; otherwise, it may 
be productive of more harm than good. On the other 
hand, there must not be too much fear and reserve, in 
regard to this thing. A single hint or remark, kindly 
given, and accompanied with an ejaculatory prayer that 
God may bless it, may strike the heart of a profane per- 
son, so as never to be forgotten, and may at last be the 
means of saving his soul. There have been many in- 
stances of this kind, and they atford much encouragement 
to speak a word for God, whenever a proper opportunity 
is offered,, A religious seaman, moreover, who acts up 
to his Christian character, will commonly have the con- 
fidence of a number of his shipmates ; and he ought 
to use it, whenever he properly can, to converse at some 
length with one and another of them, on the great mat- 
ter of their soul's salvation — Seasons of affliction, or 
sickness, especially, may commonly be improved for this 
purpose. Whenever there are a number of pious sea- 
men in the same vessel, they may greatly help and en- 
courage each other ; and they ought, if practicable, to 
have some stated seasons for social prayer and pious con- 
ference. When on shore, they will of course resort to 
a Mariner's Church, if there is one at hand ; and they 
ought, by all means, to take along with them as many of 
their shipmates, as possible. If there is no Mariner's 
Church in the port where they are, another place of 
worship should be attended. Great care should be taken 
to find a proper boarding-house, free from lewd and in- 
temperate inmates ; for it is on shore, and especially in a 
boarding-house where vicious practices are allowed, that 
a pious seaman will commonly meet with the strongest 
temptations, to do something that will bring reproach on 
religion, and pierce his own soul through with many sor- 
rows. It is a happy circumstance that pains are now 
taken, in some places, and likely soon to be taken in 
more, to provide sailors with comfortable lodgings, m 



MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 127 

houses where no vice will be permitted, and where they 
may find books and companions that will do them good, 
and keep them from being led astray. 

The present is an age of missions — Missionaries are 
sent to every quarter of the globe ; and ships and sea- 
men are employed to transport them. Those who observe 
" the signs of the times" notice with pleasure the erec- 
tion of Mariner's Churches, and the zeal that has been 
awakened to promote the spiritual good of seamen, at the 
very time when " swift ships " are carrying the heralds 
of salvation to the heathen, even to the ends of the earth : 
and they remark with great interest, that in the glowing 
description given of "the latter day glory," by the evan- 
gelical prophet,* a part of that description is formed by 
the declaration, " that the abundance of the sea shall be 
converted," and brought into the Christian church. Hence 
they are led to hope that the time is not far distant, when 
almost every ship shall be in very deed a Bethel, a house 
of God, with a church in that house — a company of joy- 
ful Christians, of pious seamen and devoted missionaries, 
who, while they are sailing over the watery waste which 
divides one country from another, shall still, even on the 
passage, enjoy all the privileges of the Christian church : 
and when they shall arrive at a heathen land, shall be 
able, at once, to exhibit to the wondering natives, the 
worship of a Christian sanctuary in all its loveliness ; and 
thus commence the blessed work of evangelizing the peo- 
ple, with advantages hitherto unknown. Let pious sea- 
men pray much for the arrival of this glorious period — 
Let them do all in their power to bring it forward. Let 
them, when they go to heathen ports, or to ports where 
often there are nominal Christians worse than heathen, — 
let them show, at least in their own example, what real 
Christianity is. Let them co-operate, in every way they 
can devise, in the blessed work of extending the gospel 
throughout the habitable earth. Thus will they imitate 
the holy man, the " Mariner's friend," whose memory is 
so dear to their hearts : and thus will they be preparing 

* Isaiah LX. 



128 MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH EASTBURN. 

to join and rejoice with him, in that haven of eternal rest 
which he has reached ; and where, notwithstanding the 
dangers of the passage through this fluctuating and tem- 
pestuous state, all who look by the eye of faith unto Jesus, 
as the great pole-star to direct their course, shall surely 
and safely arrive. 



THE END OF THE IMEMOIRS. 



APPENDIX. 



Mr. East burn received a very large number of letters, 
during the period of his ministry. Two or three of these, 
or extracts from them, have ah-eady been published in 
newspapers ; but many others have never as yet appear- 
ed in print. It is supposed that a few of them will gratify, 
and it is hoped be useful to, the readers of his memoirs. 
They are therefore here subjoined in an Appendix; 
together with some other papers which were selected 
and preserved by Mr. Eastburn. It were to be wished 
that his own letters to his correspondents could have 
been obtained, and inserted along with those to him. But 
of these letters, copies of only two were found among his 
papers. These are all that we are able to publish at 
present 



130 APPENDIX. 

LETTERS. 



From Mr. Eastburn to Mr. Reynalds. 

Dear Mr. Reynalds, — I have just received your very 
friendly letter of the 17th of July last. It was handed to 
me in our Mariner's Church, by a sailor from New-York, 
and contains much pleasing intelligence of your progress 
in promoting the cause of our precious Saviour, and of 
the bringing in of the poor seamen, who had been say- 
ing, " no man cares for Jack Tar's soul," — nor did they 
care for their own souls. The Rev. Mr. Whitfield said it 
was a strange thing to think, that a sailor could tind the 
main-top-bolin of a ship in the darkest night that ever 
was, and yet could not find a church door of a sunshining 
day. But now they seek for churches and prayer meetings, 
and it is to be hoped the time to favor them is come, and 
that the abundance of the sea is coming in ; and may we 
not hope that he that called seamen to be his disciples at 
the first spread of the gospel, is now calling many of them 
to be his messengers, to carry the gospel round the globe 
they traverse ? I am happy to declare, that I have good 
reason to believe we have evidences of the power of the 
Lord turning some bold hardened seamen, from being 
bold in the service of Satan to be bold in the service of 
their Lord and master; and we hope the good work 
among them is increasing. Our place of worship, which 
will seat twelve hundred, is generally crowded and very 
solemn. Many are deeply affected, and request to be 
prayed for; and when away they do not forget to write, 
and show that their impressions have not left them. 

We have no regular committees to conduct our affairs, 
Robert Ralston, Esq. is the principal manager of all the 
temporal concerns of the church. He, with Commodore 
Richard Dale, and a man belonging to the Society of 
Friends or Quakers, were the trustees who bought the 
ground. Commodore Dale is dead. I expect a report 
of the church will be published soon, but fear not in 
time to send you a copy of it. 



APPENDIX. 1 3 



To Mr. Bethune. 



Dear Sir,^ — I was in hopes of seeing you and Mrs. 
Bethune on your return from Carlisle, but did not know 
of your passing through Philadelphia, or I should have 
waited upon you ; as 1 feel obligated to you for your kind 
attention to me when in New- York, and to many more, 
who far exceeded my expectation. Since my return 
home, I have been fully engaged as usual in visiting daily, 
until my old frame calls for rest Many here look upon 
me as public property, and demand my attention to them i 
and many of them belong to no place of worship, but are 
alarmed when in sickness with fears of death, and desire 
to have a prayer as a passport to heaven. It is indeed a 
painful part of my calls, to find so many ignorant of all 
that belongs to their soul's concerns, and to have to warn 
them of their danger, when they are in pain and sickness. 
I visited one young woman lately, who had been very gay 
and vain, but brought low in sickness, she was awfully 
alarmed, crying out, " my day of grace is past," and for- 
bidding any prayer to be offered up for her. Thus the 
tempter is still carrying on his craftiness, by presumption 
or despair. Many of the seamen, when sick, send for 
me, and I feel more encouraged in speaking to them, than 
to those who live on shore and neglect the means of grace. 
Our Mariner's Church is constantly well attended, and 
many appear very solemn, and come in the close of the 
meeting with tears flowing, to speak of their soul's con- 
cern, and entreating to be remembered in prayer. Five 
came lately at one time, and another following in the 
street, who said he had never been so atTected in his life 
before, and hoped the Lord would enable him to be bold, 
and confess him before men. One of our chief Pilots 
declared, when a meeting was dismissed, that he found 
a great alteration in many seamen for the better, and 
much better order and attention to duty than formerly. 

I am much obliged to the kind editor of the Christian 
Herald and Seaman's Magazine, for sending it to me. 
M2 



132 APPENDIX. 

Mariner^s Houst^ London. 
My Dear Sir, 

I received your letters, and the seamen's letters accom» 
panying them, with pleasure and thanksgivings to God. 
I have also this week had an interview with the captain 
of the Cambria, and learned from him, as well as from 
your letters, how greatly God is blessing you in your 
pious labors among sailors. While hstening to the state- 
ments of captain R. in his cabin, T could not but exclaim 
to my good friend Mr. Marks, " Who raised up an East- 
burn in Philadelphia, to preach to sailors ? Cannot the 
same divine power and grace raise up others also ? Je- 
hovah said of Cyrus, " I have raised him up in righteous- 
ness, and I will direct all his ways."" What encourage- 
ment, is this to prayer, especially when we recollect 
that it is said of Messiah, " He ascended up on high ; he 
hath led captivity captive; he hath received gifts for 
men, even for the rebellious, that the Lord God may 
dwell among them." May we all have an humble de- 
pendence upon the words of his grace, that our souls 
may be encouraged to believe, that when we are called 
into eternity, the same almighty love and mercy which 
called and fitted us to labor among poor sailors, will 
qualify many more to take our place, unto whom it shall 
be said, " other men have labored, and ye have entered 
into their labors." 

I praise God, my brother, for your health and strength; 
and I pray it may continue yet a little longer, until the 
work is more estabhshed in the world among sailors. 

God has done great things for you, in giving you a 
heart to love them, and giving them a heart to love you. 
Depend upon it, you are not forgotten in our prayers. 
Many in England, when they read of your humble and 
pious efforts, cease not to make mention of you in their 
prayers. O that Abraham's God may bless you, and 
make you a blessing. 

The committee of the London Mariner's Church and 
Rivermen's Bethel Union, beg your acceptance of an en- 
graving of the church ; they rejoice to know that the 
Lord in mercy still spares you. I should be glad to hear 
how you first became a sailor's Preacher. Certainly Je- 



APPENDIX. 133 

hovah has some great designs of mercy in causing ail 
these great things in our day, to be wrought for guilty 
mariners. May the Lord abundantly strengthen, bless, 
and sanctify you and your generous efforts for his glory. 
I am yours affectionately, 
July 22c?. G. C. Smith. 



Philadelphia^ January 18/A, 1810. 
Respected Friend, 
The trustees of the " Evangelical Reformed Congrega- 
tion," in justice to their feelings, cannot forbear expressing 
their sincere thanks to you for the many services you 
have rendered the congregation, and in being instrumciital 
(under God) of adding another church to the cause of 
Christ. We trust and hope you will visit the congrega- 
tion, when assembled together, as often as may be con- 
venient to your engagements, and address them occa- 
sionally if requisite. We have enclosed one hundred 
dollars, to be appropriated by you to such use as you may 
deem proper ; but do not wish it to be considered as an 
adequate compensation for your services : we are sorry 
the funds of the congregation will not admit of enlarging 
the sum at present. 

We sincerely wish that when many shall come from 
north to south, and from east to west, and sit in the Re- 
deemer's kingdom, you may be one of that happy num- 
ber, and enter into the joys of the Lord. 

Signed in behalf of the Trustees, 
Philip Peltz, President, 
Matthias Gebler, Secretary, 
Rev. Joseph Eastburn. 

[The foregoing letter is written on one side of a leaf of letter 
paper; and on the other side is found the following receipt:] — 

Received, March 3d, 1810, of the Rev. Joseph East- 
burn, one hundred dollars, as a subscription towards 
building a church, for the Second Reformed Congre- 
gation. Daniel Sutter, Treasur&r. 

$100 



134 APPENDIX. 

London Mariner^s Church and Rivermen^a 
Bethel CJnion^ Wellclose Square, 
Rev. and Dear Sir, 
The committee of this institution have requested me 
to express the great gratification we all felt, by the very 
animating communication you have sent to our friend 
and minister, the Rev. G. C. Smith, containing a delight- 
ful detail of the Lord's gracious dealings, as they regard 
your own individual experience, and the establishment 
and prosperity of that cause in which you have been so 
long and usefully engaged ; and in which we all take a 
lively interest, while we lament that most of us should 
so long have remained indifferent to the eternal concerns 
of seamen ; which sinful apathy might have continued 
among us, had not the Lord — who is never at a loss to 
raise up agents to be workers together with himself, to 
carry on his designs of mercy when the set time is come 
to favor any people — have stirred up Mr. S. on this side 
the Atlantic, as he has you on the other: for of most, if 
not of all ministers of the gospel in this country, his la- 
bors are more abundant, for which God has furnished 
him with strength of body and mind above most of his 
fellows. Were it not for his great exertions in travelling 
and preaching nearly in all parts of the kingdom, to col- 
lect for this society, which you may be aware is exten- 
sive in its operations and attended with great expense, 
we should not know how to carry it on. The time for 
" the watchmen to see eye to eye '' is not yet arrived ; 
and but few of our ministers, comparatively, care about 
sailors, but we doubt not they soon will, as they see the 
work proceed. Indeed, one and another now almost 
every week, are virtually saying, " we will go with you, 
for we see the Lord is with you." Mr. S. has collected 
nearly £200 for the cause during the last five weeks, in 
different inland towns ; which evinces that the concern of 
the inhabitants for mariners is at length awakened ; but 
so ignorant were pastors and people of the maritime 
world, in some of these large commercial towns, that Mr. 
S.'s description of a man of war surprised them more 



APPENDIX. 1 35 

than the seven wonders of the world ; and when brought 
to recollect that their own manufactories were kept open 
by intercourse with other nations, by means of ships con- 
taining precious souls, many hundreds have lately, and 
but lately, simultaneously said, " we will begin to do 
something for sailors ;" and thus auxiliary societies are 
rising up constantly, to assist by pecuniary means ; and 
monthly prayer meetings are formed, to implore the out- 
pouring of the Holy Spirit upon mariners all over the 
world. 

When we hear of you, sir, by pious men who visit our 
Mariner's Church, we rejoice and unite in spirit with 
you, and fondly indulge the wish to hear you there— 
but as that cannot be, we shall always be most happy 
to hear of you, and particularly from you by your re- 
freshing epistles. After Mr. Smith had read your letter, 
and I was appointed to acknowledge it, I thought it only 
a reasonable request that I should be favored with the 
loan of it for one day, but this (perhaps the only favor he 
would deny me) was not granted: he thinks it is not 
probable he shall be gratified by receiving many more 
epistles written with your own hand — therefore makes 
choice of it accordingly. But in one part I am more 
interested than Mr. S., where you allude to the death of 
your son. My first deep concern for sailors' souls was ex- 
cited about nine years since, when I parted with a prom- 
ising and only son on board a merchant-ship bound to the 
West-Indies, and who died soon after his arrival. Thou^^h 
feeble are my labors in the blessed cause of God among 
our seamen on the Thames, &;c., they are the most pleas- 
ing and profitable which ever occupied my time and at- 
tention. They are the most earnest and attentive hearers, 
and their prayers and praises are inspiring to the preach- 
er's feelings. May it please our heavenly Father to spare 
you yet a little while longer, that you may more than 
ever you have, see " the pleasure of the Lord," which is 
the salvation of sinners, " prosper in his hands," who, ac- 
cording to the years of your pilgrimage, will very soon 
say to you, " Well done, &c., enter into the joy of thy 
Lord." 



1 36 APPENDIX. 

Mr. Smith, and the committee of this society, most 
sincerely join with me in praying you may finish your 
course with joy, and have an entrance ministered unto 
you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

I am, Rev, and dear Father, 
Your's affectionately, 

Robert Joyce, 
Xov. 29, 1826. Secretary to the Thames Mission. 



Extracts from the letter of the Rev. G. C. Smithy dated 
Mariner''s House, Wellelose Square, London. 
My Dear Sir, — " It is now about seventeen years since 
my attention was first directed, by the God of all grace, 
to labor more especially among Sailors. In 1808, it 
pleased God, in a singular manner, to pour out his Holy 
Spirit on many persons in our ships of war ; and in 1809, 
I began a correspondence with the Navy, which left me 
at last in the direction of the spiritual concerns of nearly 
eighty men of war. In 1817, I was mercifully directed 
to the early prayer meetings among merchant-seamen in 
the Thames, and in company with my worthy friend, 
Phillips, laid the plan, and started the project of the first 
Floating Chapel, and the first Seamans' Society for reli- 
gious instruction. In 1819, I lamented to see our ex- 
ertions limited to one Floating Chapel ; and thinking the 
Bethel Flag wonld be an admirable signal for universal 
invitation to divine worship, if we could once get it uni- 
versally introduced, and recognised among Mariners, I 
determined to form a society of all denominations, and 
called it The Bethel Union. After three months' hard 
labor, and immense discouragements, I succeeded, through 
the goodness of God — and have since assisted to form 
most of the large societies in the chief ports of the king- 
dom, connected with this Institution. I started at much 
risk, and with only one person to encourage me, the 
Sailors' Magazine — which, by the blessing of God, I 
have been able to continue to this day. My place has 
been at the helm therefore for some years, and amidst a 
world of difficulties, dangers and anxieties, that some- 



APPENDIX. 137 

times drink up and exhaust my spirits ; but hitherto the 
Lord has helped tne. O ! how rich, how sovereign, and 
how free, that grace must be, that chose and appointed 
and called a poor, wretched, guilty wanderer of the sea, 
who had been a cabin-boy in an American brig of Salem 
— a cable-tier-strapper in a frigate — a common sailor be- 
fore the mast in different line of battle ships — and a cap- 
tain of the fore-top — an officer on the quarter-deck of a 
most depraved and horridly abandoned man of war ! — 
But so it is — By the grace of God 1 am what I am. Oh ! 
I have reason indeed to cry out with holy Paul, " I thank 
Christ Jesus our Lord who hath enabled me, for that he 
counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry^ who 
was before a persecutor, a blasphemer, and injurious." 
Ah ! fatally injurious to many ! — " But I obtained mercy." 
Surely I may add, that " the grace of God was exceed- 
ing abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Je- 
sus." O ! that this Almighty grace may give me daily 
evidence that my salvation and my mercies were intended 
as much for the good of others, as of my own soul ! so 
that I may indeed be able to say, " Howbeit, for this 
cause I obtained mercy, that in me first among my sea- 
faring brethren, Jesus Christ might show forth all long 
suffering, for a pattern unto them which should hereafter 
believe on him to life everlasting." Having hved to see 

at the age of , the cause which I have thus been 

graciously permitted and honored to begin, extending 
itself throughout the world ; I am now most anxious to 
consolidate and perpetuate the work in every possible 
w^ay, and, in particular, by well-regulated and judiciously 
organized establishments on shore. 

My mind has for some years been deeply concerned 
for the horrid neighborhood of Tower- Hill, St. Catha- 
rine's, Wapping, Shadwell, Lime-House, Stepney, Poplar, 
Deptford and Greenwich, all waterside parishes of infa- 
mous notoriety, where millions of sea and river men, 
and their families, have been hurried down quick to end- 
less perdition. A few meeting-houses of different per- 
suasions existed along shore, but they were wholly con- 
fined to their own peculiar worshippers. 

I had hitherto resided chiefly on the other side of the 



1 38 APPENDIX, 

river, where my friend Mr. Phillips Hves, and in a neigh- 
borhood chiefly frequented by coasters, but I saw no 
one on this side, who ventured to act upon all the mass 
of iniquity that rolled forward on this shore. I have 
tried various means and plans to urge some others to this 
station, and to some suitable plans for extensive labors 
in it ; but no one could or would be placed in the fore- 
front of the battle, to bear the attack of the adversary, 
and fearlessly proclaim war against all his hosts, in the 
very heart of his undisturbed and uncontrolled dominions. 

These things induced me last summer to devote some 
time to preaching in the open air on Tower-Hill, and in 
the worst part of this neighborhood, to some thousands 
of wretched sinners of all descriptions. I had thus many 
opportunities of announcmg a plan I had long formed of 
having a land establishment in these parts, that should 
combine a variety of essentials for their moral improve- 
ment, religious instruction, and general protection of 
Mariners, and their families. While laboring to diffuse 
abroad correct notions as to the real usefulness of such 
a plan, I was invited by a Norwegian to view a Danish 
church in this square : I was astonished to find a large 
church, capable of holding about 1000 persons, and about 
200 years old, with a variety of conveniences, had been 
closed about nine years. It was originally built for the 
Danes and Norwegians, and at one time the Danish and 
Norwegian captains visiting London, subscribed nearly 
£lOO per annum to the support of the clergyman, but 
of late years, by intermarriages and a variety of other 
circumstances, the congregation was much diminished ; 
and when Norway was ceded to Sweden and the Nor- 
wegians had become Swedish subjects, there was scarcely 
any congregation left, especially, as the more wealthy 
Danes about London, had become so anglecized and 
mixed up with our various English congregations, as not 
to require any distinct place of worship. 

Under all those circumstances, the Danish church had 
been shut up for years. I determined immediately to 
apply for it, and form a Metropolitan Mariner's and 
Rivermen's Bethel Union, that should embrace all my 
yiews of a land establishment. Happily after much labor 



APPENDIX. 139 

and difficulty I succeeded in obtaining it, and the Danish 
Elders kindly undertook the repairs of the roof and in- 
terior to a very great extent. Last December it was 
opened, and the result has been most blessed. It is filled 
every Lord's day, and incalculable good has been accom- 
plished. 

The situation is most suitable, being close to the Lon- 
don Dock, where an immense multitude of ships lay for 
general ports, and by means of which we can hold inter- 
course with most parts of the world. It stands in the 
very centre of what I may indeed call Hell's Dominion, 
for every court and lane is filled with thieves and 
crimps and prostitutes, and here thousands of sailors 
perish every year. 

The yells and bowlings and screams of the most aban- 
doned wretches, dragging sailors to their dens, are so 
dreadful every night at eleven o'clock, that I -am obliged 
to close up every avenue in front of the house, lest my 
family should hear their language. We are however de- 
termined through grace to roll back the torrent that would 
overwhelm London and make it like Tyre or Babylon, 
when the Sailors should stand afar off, and say, Alas ! 
Alas ! that great city ! We have a domestic Mission 
Society of pious females, who cover Tracts with brown 
paper, and go out every Lord's Day afternoon through 
about thirty courts and alleys, among the very worst 
slaves of Hell, and civilly knock at each door, leaving a 
covered Tract to lend, saying they shall call for it next 
Sabbath and exchange it for another. In a few Sabbaths 
some little conversation ensues, when they civilly invite 
them and the ragged children to the Mariners' Church. 
This has done immense good. 

We also take advantage of every disastrous event that 
is likely to make a powerful impression ; and printing 
bills to announce a sermon to sailors, we despatch agents 
with them through the Docks and Canals, and over all 
the Piers in the river, which is sure to bring large hosts 
of the worst characters, and whole ships' companies are 
seen weeping like httle children. We also seek after the 
Watermen and Lightermen and Ship Porters at the Stairs, 
and the crews of Steam Packets, and you will see by the 
N 



140 APPENDIX. 

Magazine that we are now determined to invade the ter- 
ritories of Satan in the Canal boats, so that we wish if 
possible to purify the horrid fountains of sin in London, 
that send forth their poisonous streams to all parts of the 
United Kingdom by inland traffic, and through the whole 
world by foreign trade. Since we began this establish- 
ment we have had one or two dreadful shocks, that we 
thought would have nearly annihilated all our hopes, but 
more are they who are for us than they that are against 
us. I have indeed been strongly reminded of the words 
of the Hon. and Rev. Gerrard Noel at one of the May 
meetings. " We have, in order I conceive to remind us 
hovv feeble and mutable are all human things, been called 
to feel something like the shock of an earthquake; the 
ground has seemed for an instant to rock beneath us, per- 
haps to remind us, that we have not, with sufficient hu- 
mility, looked to that great and glorious Being, who alone 
can bow the hearts of men as the heart of one man ; 
but I trust by turning to Him with fresh feelings of af- 
fection, and deep contrition and humility and anxious 
prayer, we shall find that that common ground, which 
the Divine Providence has permitted us to take will now 
stand faster and firmer beneath our feet; and that no 
circumstances connected with our destiny in life, no cir- 
cumstances connected with our different views of Chris- 
tianity, shall free us from that sacred inclosure which 
the Providence of God has placed around us." 

The general success however that has attended our 
exertions, has been of the most extraordinary character; 
and I have no doubt but if, as our Newton of St. Mary 
Woolwoth and the friend of Cowper once sang, 

" Satan trembles when he sees 
The weakest Saint upon his knees," 

that Hell itself must tremble, at the prospect of Messiah's 
triumphs in this guilty neighborhood. 

One circumstance is very remarkable, viz. the burning 
down of the Royalty Theatre. This was an immensely 
large Playhouse, held about four thousand persons, and 
one of the very lowest for an audience, and for gross sen- 
suality in London. It was chiefly for Sailors, Prostitutes, 



APPENDIX. 141 

Thieves, Jews, Procuresses, and a herd of their connex«. 
ions. It was close to this square, that last winter I have 
stood and seen such hosts of sailors and girls pour into 
it every night, with bottles of rum, and the most horrid 
blasphemy, that my heart has bled, and my soul shudder- 
ed, to think of the consequences. My hopes have some- 
times in consequence been very low, and had it not been 
for what I have experienced in my own soul, and what I 
have seen among the chief of sinners in other parts, I 
should have despaired and closed up the church doors. 
Judge of my astonishment when, being absent in the 
country for some days lately, I read in the newspaper 
that the Royalty one night was burnt to the ground, nor 
is it likely to be rebuilt. A son of the late Rev. John 
Hyatt of the Tabernacle was, to the great grief of his 
pious father, one of the chief actors. Do not those two 
circumstances, the opening of a Mariners' Church, and 
the burning down of the Sailor's Theatre, indicate some 
kind designs of mercy towards Mariners, from the God of 
all grace ? 

I will mention one other proof of some influence in 
the neighbourhood, by the measures adopted. This week 
the Rev. R. Marks, came to town, to attend our first an- 
niversary : on Wednesday morning I took him through 
all the immense district of Docks and Shipping on the 
river. 

At St. Catharine's, I showed him a place called Hell- 
lane. An immense number of the most horrid and aban- 
doned prostitutes were seated as usual, on chairs in the 
lane, waiting to seize upon every sailor that ventured 
into this infernal cavern of wickedness. Having advanced 
about twenty yards into this lane, I stood with Mr. M. 
pointing to the women, and describing the horrible scenes 
that frequently abound here. The wretched creatures 
saw us, and knew me ; and Mr. M. being also dressed in 
black, they naturally suspected what we were, and to our 
utter astonishment, every one of them drew back, re- 
entered their houses, pulled back the most indecent and 
forward, and actually left us a clear coast, so that we 
walked through at perfect ease, and only one poor wo- 
man ventured to appear in the lane, whom we stopped 



142 APPENDIX. 

and begged to send her wretched children to Mariners' 
Church Sunday School. Such a circumstance I should 
scarcely have believed possible six months since. This 
I would humbly hope is only the beginning of good things 
here. 

Speaking of Mr. Marks, I would draw your attention 
for a moment to this good man. He was formerly in the 
Navy, and was in the action of Trafalgar. He was lieu- 
tenant of the Conqueror 74. It pleased God to awaken 
him by his grace, as you will see, if you have an oppor- 
tunity of reading his book, called the " Retrospect," and 
about 1809 he estabhshed meetings with a few pious 
Seamen in one of the wings of that ship, for prayer and 
for reading the Bible ; when he quitted the Navy about 
1810, he studied at Cambridge, and has since taken or- 
ders for the Church of England. He published his Retro- 
spect a few years since, and it brought him into notice, 
when a gentleman of Great Missender in Buckingham- 
shire purchased the living and presented it to Mr. M. 

About six years ago, he was sent for by Mr. Phillips and 
myself to visit London, and preach for the Seamen's 
Friend Society, and he has since that preached in an 
Episcopal Church for the Society. Last Autumn he 
came to London, to attend the anniversary of the Sea- 
men's Friend Society. It was my lot to preach one of 
the annual sermons at Zion Chapel (Lady Huntingdon's) 
one of the largest in London. His mind was deeply im- 
pressed, and he retired determined to do something more 
for his brother seamen. 1 had afterwards an interview 
with him at the London Tavern, and urged him to come 
forward and advocate the cause by his pen. Soon af- 
terwards he came to town, and attended the Mariners' 
Church. He returned to his vicarage, deeply im|«ressed 
with the importance of the work ; and he has since that 
been writing letters, which have been published in the 
Christian Guardian, or Church of England Magazine. 
They have excited very extraordinary sensations in the 
Church ; and I wish I could get him to come forward 
and preach for the cause in some churches, that might 
be obtained all over England, for him: But such are his 
retired habits, and his love to his parochial chaise, that 



APPENDIX. 143 

he cannot be prevailed upon to travel for the cause ; his 
heart, however, is in the right place, and he burns to see 
the salvation of seamen. In common with a few more 
of us in London, he feels sorrow the most profound, that 
so VERY SMALL a portion of the wealth and influence and 
piety of this large Metropolis, are brought into the sea- 
mens' cause." 

" Finding the business grow upon my hands to such an 
astonishing degree, I have been obliged to resign my sit- 
uation as Secretary to the British and Foreign Seamens* 
Friend Society, and devote the whole of my labor to this 
great Metropolitan establishment, called the London 
Mariners' Church, and Rivermen Bethel Union. As 
travelling Secretary, and superintendent Minister, I have 
quite enough now to occupy me ; and the Docks, Rivers, 
and Canals, present a field so boundless, that, if I had 
fifty agents, and adequate means, I could employ them 
all in daily labor for the Lord Jesus Christ. 

We have this week held our first anniversary. Sir 
Francis Le Hunte, of the Navy, in the chair. It was a 
noble meeting. I shall send you the Report, or Retro- 
spect, by the next packet." 



Letter to the Rev. Joseph Eastburn^from three seamen on 
hoard of the ship Jefferson, hound to St. Petersburg, 
Russia^ dated Reedy Island, March 26, 1820. 

Reverend Sir, — With pleasure do we improve an op- 
portunity of addressing a few hues to you ; and return 
our grateful thanks and acknowledgements for your past 
exertions and anxiety for our everlasting happiness and 
welfare ; and also to solicit an interest in your interces- 
sions at the Throne of Grace for our protection through 
a vast and trackless ocean, and our safe arrival at our 
destined port, and a welcome and happy return to our 
friends and native shore. 

We have for some time been attentive hearers at the 
Mariners' Church, where we have often heard our mani- 
fold sins and transgressions plainly elucidated, and have 
seen ourselves as in a glass : we have been taught the 
way of light and life-everlasting, and to adore and wor- 
N2 



144 APPENDIX. 

ship the God of heaven and earth, and to confide in him 
through all the changing vicissitudes of this uneven Hfe^ 
and look forward with hopes of salvation, through the 
mediation and merits' of the dear Redeemer of a lost 
world. 

May the prayers of the church be heard and answered 
for our preservation, and that we may tread the paths 
of holiness and humility, and that we may live in the 
"World as becomes the children of God, and become the 
fit subjects of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

May every great and good blessing attend you Sir, in 
your exertions to promote the cause of Christ : and may 
you live to see the fruit of your labors and be abundantly 
blest, and finally arrive at the haven of eternal rest, to 
shake the friendly hand, and sing the song of Moses and 
the Lamb with all the children of God, and join in the 
rounds of eternal felicity, where happiness shall know no 
respite, and enjoyment no end. 

We are, dear Sir, with the most sacred respect, 
Yours, 

Joseph B. Dagget, 
Jeremiah Stow, 
William Farthin. 



To the Editors of the Philadelphia Gazette. 
If it should not be viewed as an unreasonable trespass 
on the columns of your valuable paper, hitherto so much 
devoted to the best interests of the Mariner, a Subscriber 
would respectfully request the insertion of an extract 
from a letter of T. Phillips, Esq. secretary of the Sea- 
man's Friend Society in London, communicating infor- 
mation of a highly interesting nature to the cause of the 
Bethel Union; information also which will be very ac- 
ceptable to the friends of the cause in other seaports 
where it may be republished, and by the promulgation 
of which it will be known how desirable it is to receive 
across the Atlantic, information of the progress of the Re- 
deemer's Kingdom among the mariners in the United 
States. 



APPENDIX. 145 

London^ dth September 1 825. 

My very much esteemed and venerable Father, — I can- 
not commence my letter with any thing more congenial 
to my feehngs than a quotation from the epistle of Paul 
to Philemon — "Grace to you, and peace, from God our 
Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, 
making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing 
of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Lord 
Jesus and toward all Saints" — to which I would make a 
small addition — " and all Sailors,'''' 

I was much pleased at the receipt of your letter dated 
10th of June. I shall be highly gratitied by your future 
correspondence, if it is not imposing too heavy a task 
upon you. "Good news from a far country,"" is most 
cheering, and while we can hear of the piety and zeal 
of our friends in the ports of the United States, it will 
be a stimulus to greater exertions here. I am confident 
it has this effect by communication through the Sailors' 
Magazine, not only in London, but in every port where 
there are Bethel Societies, or friends who feel and care 
for the souls of Seamen. We have reason to be very 
thankful that new friends to the cause are being raised 
up, I was going to say, almost daily, in a wonderful man- 
ner, and is a convincing proof that the Lord is at work 
for his own glory, and the period is soon to approach, 
when "The abundance of the seas shall be converted 
unto him." This is a most blessed promise, and it shall 
be fulfilled, though we may not be permitted to see it. 
We have an Institution here called the "Continental 
Society" — its members and subscribers are principally 
in the establishment. A Mr. Von Bulow, who formerly 
was an otiicer in the Danish army, and has received a 
badge of honor from his sovereign, is now a minister of 
Jesus Christ, and has been taken up and patronized by 
that Society, and in the course of a few weeks is going 
to Hamburg — he intends to purchase a small vessel, in 
which he means to visit all the ports in Norway and 
Denmark, and with the Bethel Flag at his mast-head, 
invite his countrymen, particularly the seameis, to the 
worship of God, under the patronage of the Continental 



146 APPENDIX. 

and Bethel Union Societies. He has been visiting and 
preaching to his countrymen on board their ships in this 
port, and I have received a letter from him this day, of 
which the following is a copy, viz. 

Dear Sir, — You wish to know something of my op- 
erations among foreign sailors on the River Thames — - 
Being a stranger, and having had no one to assist me, to- 
gether with many other difficulties, my labors have been 
very much limited; and as this is only undertaken with 
a view to another plan, I have especially directed my 
visits to the Norwegian vessels — Of these, I have in the 
last month been on board of twenty-four, together with 
one Danish, two from the Baltic, and one from Finland 
— to all of them 1 communicated the plans and operations 
of the Continental and Bethel Union Societies — I have 
sold forty copies of the New Testament in their own 
language, and given away several hundreds of Tracts. 

" I have on four Sundays hoisted the Bethel Flag on 
four different Norwegian vessels, and preached to con- 
gregations of from twenty to forty persons who were very 
attentive, and thanked me for my trouble. — One of the 
captains was much pleased to hear something was to be 
done for fishermen and seamen, who were very much ne- 
glected in that country, and they, as well as the landsmen, 
do more generally use the Sunday, and the opportunity 
which the excursion to church gives them, to visit the 
different inns on the way, and drink themselves drunk. 
But, (said he) if sound doctrine was preached to them, 
and they got the word of God, he hoped it would make 
an alteration. — So you see, my dear sir, a little cloud has 
ascended, and by the blessing of the Lord, it may pour 
out a fruitful rain ; and although it is a very rocky and 
stony country, there are many fine valleys, and the seed 
may grow there, and bring fruits to the glory of our God 
and of his Christ — The harvest is great, but the laborers 
are few — may the Lord raise up many of this people to 
turn their backs upon the things of the world, and use 
all the gifts which they possess, to promote the kingdom 
of God, and the salvatiofi of poor lost sinners. I trust 
the Lord will let his trumpet sound, and call his valiant 



APPENDIX. 147 

to battle, and awaken them who sleep. * Pray for me, 
dear sir, that I, a weak vessel may become strong in the 
Lord — may He be with you, and all his Israel. 
Your fellow-servant in Christ Jesus, 

(Signed) Von Bulow. 

*I beg leave my dear Father to call your attention to 
his last sentence — he requests my poor prayers at the 
Throne of Grace — he shall have them, that the Lord 
may bless him and preserve him, and niake him a blessing 
among the Seamen and Fishermen of his country — And 
shall he not have the fervent prayers of my belo\ed, my 
venerable father — the friend of Sailors, the Pastor of the 
Mariner's Church in Philadelphia ? Yes ! he shall, and 
the Lord will answer them. Shall he not have the prayers 
of our beloved pious American captains, mates, and sea- 
men ? Yes ! he shall have these too — Shall not the friends 
of the Redeemer on board the Globe, Victory, Lancaster, 
George, Jane, President, Evelina, Commodore Barry, 
Francis, Delight, and others now before me (for which I 
thank you) pour out their prayers for a blessing upon 
him, and this new opening in Providence to do good to 
Sailors, when they meet for the solemn worship of God 
in the cabin or forecastle of their respective ships ? Will 
not the pious captain Calvin Tubbs, and captain Dunton, 
pray for Von Bulow ? 

He will leave England for the North, in the fall of the 
year — a time particularly dangerous for navigators ; but 
it is delightful to know, that the Lord reigneth, and he 
holds the winds in his fist and the waters in the hollow 
of his hand. — His word, "Peace, be still,'' can calm the 
most violent sea — I hope to be able to send herewith Re- 
ports of the Continental Society and some others, — Our 
friends at Hull have lately been taking up another class 
of foreign sailors. They had many Dutch vessels there, 
and in one of them, they found a pious captain. They 
asked him if he would preach to his countrymen, on 
board the Floating Chapel there. He consented; and 
the first sermon, he had eighty Dutch shippers, steermen, 
and sailors : and the following Sabbath, he preached to 
a hundred or more of his brother sailors ; and it is hoped 
a blessing attended the services. In addition to the 



148 APPENDIX. 

Bethel Flag at the mast-head, they had on these occasions 
a new Dutch Jack as a signal for divine worship. I 
cantiot but consider it as a token for good, the workings 
of Providence in this cause. The letter from Hull, com- 
municating this pleasant account, is dated (1 believe,) the 
16th June; and a few days after 1 read a letter from a 
captain of the Navy of the King of the Netherlands, 
dated from Rotterdam, I believe the 17 th June^ devoting 
himself to the cause in that part of Europe, arid request- 
ing his name to be put down as a subscriber to the So- 
ciety here — you will see his letter in the Magazine sent 
herewith. I have written to him in reply, with reports 
of the Society, Magazines, &c. urging him, as strongly as 
possible, to proceed in the noble cause, assuring him that 
the blessings of God will attend his exertions. Thus, 
my venerable and esteemed father, is the work in a state 
of progress, and all the Devils in Hell will not be able 
to stop it — they have too long reigned in the hearts of 
seamen, but the Sun of Righteousness is arising with 
healing in his wings, and they must submit. But while 
present prospects are most pleasing, there is vert/ muck 
to be done — We are only just putting on the armor, and 
must not boast as they who are putting it off — Satan will 
not quietly lose his victims — he will raise up enemies — 
yes, even among those who are the professed friends of 
the Redeemer, and some half-hearted, cold, calculating 
prudential persons (we have some out here, and perhaps 
you may have others in America) will be ready to say 
** this is not the proper time — the Lord will do the work 
by his Holy Spirit in his own way," &c. &c. We know 
this as well as they, but while the great Jehovah is 
pleased to work by instruments, it is our duty to go for- 
ward ; and if we work with a single eye to his glory, 
sailors will be converted, and He shall have the glory. 

Our anniversary is settled to be on the 20th October, 
before which I hope you will receive this. Let us have 
an interest in your prayers for the blessings of God upon 
us. Our pious and venerable President, Admiral Lord 
Gambler, has promised to be with us D. V.— and as the 
public feeling, as it respects the religious instruction of 
seamen, has not decreased, I expect that many will not 



APPENDIX. 149 

be able to obtain admittance, as was the case last year. 
I shall send yon one of the Reports, when they are print- 
ed ; and as I am not acquainted with the names of the 
worthies in the different ports of America, who belong 
to Bethel Union Societies, I shall intreat you or Mr. R. 
to circulate them, and intreat their correspondence with 
us, as we are very anxious to know how the cause pro- 
ceeds in every part of the world. 

One instance I must relate, which proves the utility 
of the measures adopted to evangelize Seamen. It was 
related to me by my worthy friend Capt. Wilkins, in 
whose ship I attended the first Sailor's Prayer Meeting 
in the Thames, and in consequence of that attendance, 
all the public measures that have since been taken arose 
— he had the account from a Wesleyan minister. — One 
of our Downs Pilots boarded a ship, to bring her to Lon- 
don — as soon as he got on deck, he began to bluster and 
swear most horridly, as is too much the custom with these 
men — the mate came up to him, and said ' you must not 
swear here ; the captain will not allow it.' This hint 
was not strong enough ; he went on as before, which 
brought the captain from the cabin, to know the reason ; 
and finding the pilot obstinate, he ordered him out of the 
ship, and took another. He went ofif, and soon after 
boarded another, and immediately as before gave his 
orders with oaths and imprecations — a sailor stepped up 
to him and said ' you must not swear in this ship, it is not 
allowed — the Bible prohibits it, and our captain won't 
allow it.' He said ' it was impossible to navigate a ship 
without, and swear he must.' — The sailor replied ' why, 
we've taken the ship to Leghorn and back without swear- 
ing, and it's very hard if she cannot be taken from the 
Downs to the Thames without.' The end of the busi- 
ness was, that he was turned out of the second ship — he 
boarded a thirds and was turned out of her for swearing, 
and another taken in his place. He was so astonished, 
that when he met a brother Pilot on shore, he told him 
all about it, and that the sailors had said that the Bible 
did not allow swearing ; what sort of a book is the Bible? 
His companion, about as ignorant as himself, holding out 
his hands, said, ' It is a book about so big, and it is all 



1 50 APPENDIX. 

full of religion.' The Pilot declared he would buy on<* 
to see all about it — Who can tell, but that the Lord di- 
rected him to those ships, and that he may have designs 
of mercy to this poor blaspheming pilot? Eternity may, 
and will, declare many strange and unexpected things. 
Many will be found in Heaven that we little expect to 
see there ; and many perhaps excluded who we reason- 
ably expected would be there. 



Ship Caledonia, May 28^., 1 827. 
Respected Sir, 
It is with feelings the most sincere, that we embrace 
the present opportunity of addressing these few lines to 
you, as the worthy pastor of the Mariner's Church, the 
good effects of which, will always be as deeply felt as 
admired. We make no hesitation in saying, that since 
the foundation of the Institution in which you have so 
zealously engaged from its commencement, we have ex- 
perienced the most beneficial effects, and which can 
never be forgotten. We are at preser\t bound on a long 
voyage, and put our only trust in Him who can control 
the winds and waves. Please to remember us in your 
prayers. We are all perfectly satisfied,,so far, with our 
situation. For the future welfare of the church, and its 
object, and for the health of its founder, we the sub- 
scribers, crew of the ship Caledonia, sincerely pray. 

John Gilliard,jr. John Smith, 

Enoch Stevens, Abel Stevens, 

John Bliven, George Wilson, 

William Price, Church Hagens, 

Nicholas Vanderhoven, Thomas C. Olby, 

Samuel Bragden, Adam Strieker, 

Edward Haines, John F. Monell, 

Richard Lacey, Henry Wharton, 

Samuel Brown, Charles Whitman. 
William Bowden, 

John Barr, 2d Officer^ 



APPENDIX. 151 

From the Rev. Dr. Brodhead. 

New-York., November 17th, 1827. 

My very venerable and dear old friend, — • 
Believe me when I say, I have not forgotten you. I 
have put off writing to you in the hope of seeing you 
once more on this side of eternity. I have been detained 
here from week to week with necessary business, so that 
I am now almost afraid to undertake a journey to Phila- 
delphia this season. 

I cannot, however, suffer the opportunity presented by 
the Rev. Mr. Livingston, to pass, without sending my 
kindest and best wishes to one who has been to me, for 
many years, a valuable counsellor in all spiritual duties 
and conflicts. May the dear Saviour continue to reward 
you, by giving to you the continual assurance of his eter- 
nal and unchangeable love. 1 understand that the master 
has been pleased to withdraw you from the field of public 
labor, and that another voice is now heard in the Mar- 
iner's Church. It is well. For what could you have 
desired, more than you have seen ? The object dear to 
your soul has been accomplished, and the seamen have 
a comfortable place for worship. Through your instru- 
mentality has all this been accomplished. And methinks 
I hear you say, " now lettest thou thy servant depart in 
peace." 

And now, my dear old friend, " May the peace of God 
which passeth all understanding be with you." May you 
" wait with patience all the days of your appointed time" 
in the wilderness — pass over the Jordan of death in joy 
— and enter into the Canaan of everlasting rest, praising 
the rich and sovereign grace of your almighty Redeemer. 
The Lord of his mercy grant it. Farewell. 

I am yours in the bonds of the gospel, 
J. Brodhead. 



152 APPENDIX. 

When the place of meeting for seamen was transferred 
from the sail-loft to the session-room of the 2d Presby- 
terian Church of Philadelphia, the following hymn, com- 
posed for the occasion, was sung. 

HYMN. 

Holy be this, as was the place 
To hhn, of Padan-aram, known; 
When Abraham's God revealed his face 
And caught the pilgrim to the throne : 
O, how transporting was the glow 
Which thrill'd his bosom, mix'd with fear, 
" Lo, the Eternal walks below — 
The Highest tabernacles here !" 

Be ours, when faith and hope grow dim, 
The glories which the Patriarch saw; 
And when we faint, may we Uke him 
Fresh vigor from the vision draw. 
Heaven's lightning hovered o'er his head, 
And flash'd new splendors on his view, — 
Break forth, thou Sun ! and freely shed 
Glad rays upon our Bethel too. 

'Tis ours to sojourn in a waste 
Barren and cold as Shinar's ground ; 
No fruits of Eschol charm the taste, 
No streams of Meribah are found, — 
But Thou canst bid the desert bud 
With more than Sharon's rich display; 
But Thou canst bid the cooling flood 
Gush from the rock and cheer the way. 

We tread the path thy people trode, 

Alternate sunshine, bitter tears ; 

Go Thou before, and with thy rod 

Divide the Jordan of our fears. 

Be ours the song of triumph given, 

Angelic themes to lips of clay, — 

And ours the holy harp of heaven, 

Whose strain dissolves the soul away. T. 



APPENDIX. 153 

The following article appeared in a public paper, shortly 
after the hoisting of a new flag at the Mariner's Church, 
on the 21st of January 1822. 

THE MARINER'S CHURCH. 

On sabbath morning last, 21st inst. a new flag ^ the sig- 
nal for meeting, was hoisted at the Mariner^s Church in 
this city. This flag was procured by the exertions of 
Miss Elizabeth White and sister, of the Northern Liber- 
ties, in collecting subscriptions for the purpose. It was 
made by Mr. Dunton at a very low charge, and gratui- 
tously painted by Mr. Woodside ; so that, with the money 
obtained, besides the flag, several chairs have been pur- 
chased for the use of the Church, and some tracts for 
distribution. 

The flag is in size, 13 by 8 feet, with an azure field, 
and white border. The symbols are — on the top, the 
iiioniuig a-iid evening stars ; in the centre, a dove on the 
wing, with an olive-branch in her mouth ; and at the bot- 
tom, an anchor. Inscription—' MARINER'S CHURCH.' 

The Rev. Mr. Eastburn, the stated preacher, addressed 
the congregation from the four last verses of the 6th chap. 
Hebrews. He spoke of the stability of tlie Christian's 
refuge as insured by God's immutability ; and of the ne- 
cessity for sinners actively to endeavor " to obtain salva- 
tion," by ''flying for refuge to lay hold on the hope set 
before them in the gospel.' He illustrated the import of 
the doctrine by referring to the emblems on the flag ; 
that, as the evening star indicated the approaching dark- 
ness of night, so the shades of death were advancing; 
and as the morning star denoted the dawn of day, so the 
light of everlasting day would rise upon every soul, who, 
like the dove that " found no rest for the sole of her foot," 
would fly to Jesus Christ the Ark of safety, and thus be- 
come personally interested in that heavenly hope, which, 
as an anchor, would secure him from shipwreck, and in- 
sure him an abundant entrance into the haven of rest. 



154 APPENDIX. 

The following hymn, of which a number of printed 
copies were presented by Mr. Mentz, was sung on the 
occasion. 

A MARINERS' HYMN, C. M. 

Presented to the Rev. Joseph Eastburn, a Pilot of 
Jesus Christ, the Captain of his Salvation, and now 
cruising in the offing of Eternity. 

. Written by J. W. S — , and sung hy the congregation in 
the Mariner'' s Church in Philadelphia^ on Sabbath 2lst 
January^ when the new Flag of the Church was hoisted, 

1 While o'er the swelling sea of life, 

Poor sinners heedless sail, 
Their guilty passions drive them far. 
Till cheering prospects fail. 

2 Then gloomy storms and fearful roar 

Of tempests threaten death ; 
And yet all hands despise the name 
Of God who gives them breath. 

3 But Oh ! how merciful ! how good 

Is He whom sinners hate ! 
He kindly sends his Pilots out 
To warn them of their fate. 

4 [Along the dang'rous coast of Time, 
The Pilots hail each crew — 

* The gulph-stream sets to endless woe, 

* The dismal port's in view !] 

5 ' See hoisted high the^ao- of love, 

' By heav'nly breezes waved ; 

* Here Sailors, stop, and orders hear, — 

* Obey, and you'll be saved. 

6 ' The Captain of Salvation calls, 

' O wretched Seamen stay ! 

* Now change your course and heav'nward stcer» 

' The Pilots show the way. 

7 ' Then, like the stars of morn and eve, 

' Your future days shall prove; 

* Nor storms of death your hope destroy, 

* For Christ your souls will love. 

JS * The dove of peace portends the land 
' Of joy and holy rest ; 

* There Jesus dwells and makes his saints 

* With him for ever blest.' 



APPENDIX. 155 

The two last stanzas particularly allude to the em- 
blematical figures on the^a^. 

The dove of peace portends the land — 

— It is common for vessels at sea, when nearing the land, 
to be visited by the plumy inhabitants of the forests. 
And sometimes, after recent storms, having been driven 
by the gale beyond their usual flights, 

These little warblers, 
Weary on the wing, alight upon the masts, 
And cheer the sailors with their grateful song. j. w. s. 



The following account of the placing of a miniature 
ship over the pulpit in the Mariner's Church, was found 
among Mr. Eastburn's papers, in his own hand-writing. 

The seamen of the ship Benjamin Rush, in a voyage 
to Canton, prepared a miniature ship, completely rigged, 
and moored it over the pulpit of the Mariner's Church. 
The captain, Levi Barden, named it Beulah^ which name 
was placed on the burgee, at the fore-top-mast head. 
On the main-top was the word Bethel^ in the flag ; the 
ensign was the American colors, with the jack ahead, 
with the stars. The day after it was put up being the 
sabbath, the speaker, in order to draw the minds of the 
people off from it as a toy, endeavored to show the im- 
provement that might be made of this beautiful little 
ship. First, the hull, containing so many pieces bound 
round with plank, was like our bodies with their flesh and 
skin. If a plank should start, the ship would sink, and if 
the thread of life should break the soul would depart. 
If but a leak was made, it would cost much labor at the 
pumps ; so sin brings on trouble and sorrow. The masts 
and rigging were to spread sails upon, to receive the 
wind necessary to convey the ship to the port to which 
they intend to go ; so seamen must use the means of 
grace, if they would hope to enter the port of glory. The 
designs of the flags were all noticed, with the anchor and 
compass, to which very great attention was paid. 
02 



156 APPENDIX. 

The following statement was also found in Mr. East- 
burn's hand-writing : — 

" On the 1 5th Feb'y. 1 820, John Evans, a sailor, came 
with another, requesting bibles to take to sea. Evans 
said he should not have asked one as charity, but that he 
had been cast away, and lost all he had ; but he said if 
he should be spared to return from this voyage, he would 
repay it seven-fold. He acknowledged he had received 
tracts at the Mariner's Meeting, which had reminded him 
of his former wickedness ; that while he was handing sail 
in a gale of wind, he called upon the Lord to damn his 
eyes ; when immediately the end of a rope struck out the 
sight of his right eye, which he showed. He also said 
that since the meeting had commenced, a reformation 
had taken place among many of the seamen. Many of 
the seamen lamented when the Board of Health forbid 
the continuance of the Mariner's Meeting ; and several 
said it had been a blessing to them. One declared he 
would not part with what he had received while attend- 
ing there, for all Philadelphia." 



The following memorandum appears to have been 
made by Mr. Eastburn, with a view to aid his memory 
in a report to the presbytery — It will serve to show the 
nature of those reports, and the success of his ministry : — 

" To notice the young man that received a bible in the 
appearance of a sailor, and has been reformed — Of several 
boys reclaimed by attending at the Mariner's Meeting — 
Of a man who was very wicked and bad to his family, 
but is now reformed and attends the meeting with his 
family, and wants to assist in supporting it — Of a young 
woman who cried out in the meeting, and has since be- 
come very orderly — ^Of the many requests of seamen to 
be prayed for — Of the seamen stopped at the Reedy 
Island Piers, wishing that the meeting might be better 
known — A request from Bermuda of a captain and crew 
to be still remembered in prayer at the church,'* 



APPENDIX. 157 

The following Hymn was found in manuscript among 
the papers of Mr. Eastburn. It is not known that it has 
before been published. 

THE SEAMAN'S HYMN. 

O Thou eternal viewless God 

That ridest on the seas, 
Thou that controllest with a nod 

The billow and the breeze — 

Thy powerful arm alone can save 

Thy children on the deep, 
Can bear them o'er the curling wave, 

And down the threat'ning steep. 

Though staunch our bark and proud her way^ 

Though breezes swell the sails, 
Yet Lord, if thou art not our stay, 

The seaman's courage fails. 

Be thou, O God! our kind support, 

Our earnest hopes fulfil ; 
On the wild ocean, or in port, 

Be thou our anchor still. 

May we escape the dangerous ground, 

And while thy strength we feel. 
Help us to keep each timber sound, 

With grace, our chosen keel. 

And O ! when near temptation's shoal, 

No beacon shines from far. 
Cheer thou the seaman's anxious soul 

With Bethlehem's holy star. 

Jesus, our helm, we look to thee, 

Nor shall we look in vain. 
From quicksands thou wilt keep us free, 

And guide us o'er the main. 

And soon, our chequer'd voyage o'er, 

And we have crossed life's sea. 
Grant that our crew may tread the shore 

Of bless'd eternity. 



The name and the contemplated enterprise of Mr, 
Von Bnlow are mentioned in one of the preceding letters, 
adciressed to Mr. Eastburn. The following printed cir- 
cular, containing information in regard to his first mis- 
sionary voyage, and of a second, for which he was pre- 



1 58 APPENDIX. 

paring, was also addressed to Mr. E., and will be gratify- 
ing to those who take an interest in the attempts now 
making to evangelize seamen. — And it may also be of use 
to correct an idle story, which has been printed and exten- 
sively circulated, that Marshal Von Bulow, who com- 
manded the advance of the Prussian army at the battle 
of Waterloo, had become a Christian missionary. The 
identity of name, and similarity of previous military char- 
acter, have probably led some one, who possessed more 
zeal than knowledge or prudence, to circulate a story 
which is calculated, by its entire falsehood, to injure the 
cause of Christian missions — Marshal Bulow has never 
been, and probably is never likely to be, a Christian 
missionary. 

" The Rev. Carlos Von Bulow, who in 1825 was ap- 
pointed an agent of the Contiiiental Society for diffusing 
religious knowledge on the Continent of Europe, has just 
returned from Norway, where he has been laboring to 
promote this object during the past year. 

The representation which he gives of the state of re- 
ligion in those northern parts of Europe, although on the 
one hand truly deplorable, is on the other very encour- 
aging, and claims the sympathy, prayers, and assistance 
of British Christians. As his journal is to be communi- 
cated to the public through the medium of the Sailor's 
Magazine, all who feel interested in promoting the king- 
dom of God, are referred to that source of information. 
The plan originally arranged for Mr. Von Bulow, was, 
that he should be furnished with a vessel of about thirty 
tons register, in which he could have embarked with the 
scriptures and tracts in the several languages of Europe 
— wherewith the British and Foreign Bible Society, and 
Religious Tract Society, had supplied him ; but as the 
necessary means of fitting out and navigating the vessel 
fell short, through the embarrassments of the times, he 
was compelled to content himself with a decked boat, 
of five or six tons burthen, in which he sailed from port 
to port, and from island to island, beginning at Chris- 
tiansand and cruising as far as Drontheim — having ap- 
proached latitude 64°. On this voyage to the north and 
back again, he visited the inhabitants every where, as 



APPENDIX. 159 

well as the vessels of the several nations in the ports, 
preaching the gospel and distributing scriptures and 
tracts : this he has done at sixty different places, to Nor- 
wegian congregations of from twenty to four hundred 
persons, five times in Enghsh, and twice in German ves- 
sels. He could have preached much more frequently to 
mariners, had he been provided with a vessel capable of 
assembling them. The boat which he has navigated 
hitherto is manifestly unfit for this purpose, or for expo- 
sure to the hazards of coasting those shores. — His con- 
viction is, that only the especial protection of God has 
preserved him hitherto. 

The destitution of the scriptures and of religious in- 
struction in the regions already visited by Mr. Von Bu- 
low, is great, and the wants of the population inhabiting 
the islands and coast, from 64° to 71°, are still greater. 
If he can be provided with a proper vessel of thirty to 
forty tons register, and funds to meet the expenses of 
navigating her, he is ready to devote himself to this ar- 
duous mission. The cost of such a vessel is estimated at 
£200, and the annual expense £130 to £150 per annum. 

The committee of the Continental Society, judging 
that this mission doeb, not come within the sphere pre- 
scribed to them by their regulations, have intimated to 
Mr. Von Bulow that they do not feel justified in laying 
out their funds upon it, except to a limited extent. He 
has therefore now to appeal to the friends of seamen, 
and to the various Bethel Unions, for aid in promoting the 
glory of God and salvation of fishermen and sailors, in 
these neglected regions. To forward his views, a sub- 
committee has been appointed in Hull. On behalf of 
Mr. Von Bulow they entreat your prayers, influence, and 
exertions to procure subscriptions and donations, which 
they request that you would kindly transmit to their 
treasurer, John Clay, Esq. Swedish Consul at this port, 
as early as possible, as the season for the recommence- 
ment of Mr. Von Bulow's labors is near at hand. 
Signed, James Bowden, ) 

John Sadler, > 
Thomas Sykes, ) 

Hull, March, 1827, Secretaries'' 



1 60 APPENDIX. 

" The Port of London Societ}^ has presented the Rev. 
C. Von Bulow with a Bethel Flag, which has already 
waved from his little bark, and other vessels in various 
ports of Norway. The British and Foreign Bible Society 
have likewise made him a new grant of one thousand 
New Testaments ; and the Religious Tract Society has 
engaged to furnish him with a sufficient number of tracts." 



The following circular, addressed to Mr. Eastburn, 
contains some valuable suggestions in regard to seamen, 
and especially in relation to the establishment of good 
boarding-houses, which is deserving of the attention of 
every seamans' friend. 

Charleston^ S. C. January^ 1823. 

" The Charleston Bethel Union, to all Bethel Unions, 
Port Societies, and Ship-Masters, send greeting:—^ 
Brethren and Friends, 

Though an infant institution, we hope we shall be par- 
doned for the liberty we are taking, in addressing those 
who are greatly our superiors in knowledge and expe- 
rience, when we assure them, that our object is not to 
teach them wisdom, but to solicit their assistance. 

In exploring the field of our labors, for the purpose of 
ascertaining what is to be done, and how it is to be ac- 
complished, we have endeavored not only to make such 
personal observations as circumstances would permit, 
but also to avail ourselves of the knowledge which ship- 
masters have acquired from experience. To facilitate an 
acquaintance with the feelings and habits of seamen, we 
have conversed with masters individually, and have also 
adopted the plan of giving a general invitation, as often 
as it shall be deemed expedient, to those in port, to meet 
a committee from our body on board some ship, for the 
purpose of holding a free discussion upon any topic re- 
lating to the n^oral and religious improvement of seamen. 
The result of our investigation has been to establish in 
our minds a firm conviction, that all the deficiencies 
which are found in the character of seamen, beyond 
what are daily exhibited in other classes of the commu- 



APPENDIX. 161 

nity, are owing to their waat of the sfime means and the 
same motives. 

As to the means of their rehgious instruction in this 
place, we hope that in future they will be constant. But 
as a hand-maid to the truths of the gospel, some other 
motive seems to be necessary to encourage sailors to aim 
at a higher elevation of character — to stimulate them to 
strive for that good name which is rather to be chosen 
than great riches. 

To other men this motive is furnished by the common 
circumstances of their situation. Placed in the midst of 
their acquaintances, and in the bosom of their family, 
their reputation, their hvelihood, and even their daily 
comfort, depend upon their maintaining a regular and 
decent deportment. But the sailor is often far removed 
from the watchful eye of kindred affection, and his char- 
acter and conduct wholly unknown to any individual of 
his former acquaintance. If then he can be as readily 
employed and obtain as much wages, while rioting in the 
paths of dissipation, and revelhng in the haunts of sin, 
as in the pursuit of any other course, what motive, un- 
less he possesses moral principle, will draw him away 
from the jaws of the destroyer, and induce him to aim at 
what is virtuous and praiseworthy ? 

With a view of furnishing the motives most likely to 
operate in the case, ' ship-masters have informed us, that 
in some ports in Europe a register office has been estab- 
lished for the purpose of recording the names of such 
sailors as should be able to obtain from the last master 
with whom they sailed, a certificate of their correct 
habits and faithful services, and that when masters ship 
sailors, they apply to this office and give such men a de- 
cided preference.' That such an institution may have the 
desired efTect, it should be distinctly understood, that in 
connexion with it, there must be good boarding-houses, 
where the means of rational entertainment and solid im- 
provement may be enjoyed — where no imposition shall 
be practised — where the sailor of every clime shall find 
his friends and his home ; and also, that those, who apply 
at the office, must uniformly be recommended to those 
houses, and that such as do not comply with their direc- 



162 APPENDIX, 

tions, but'take lodgings in places not patronized by the 
managers of the institution, are to be considered as for- 
feiting their certificate, and losing all claim to employ- 
ment or protection. Ship-masters with whom we have 
consulted, have with one voice assured us, that if institu- 
tions of tliis kind can be generally established under 
proper regulations, they will give them their hearty sanc- 
tion, and their uniform patronage. They also say they 
are decidedly of the opinion, that they would be among 
the best means of improving the moral character of sea- 
men, which have yet been devised, and which are so 
practicable in their operation. But, at the same time, 
they remind us, that our exertions must be exceedingly 
embarrassed, if we attempt such an enterprise alone ; 
and that the good effected will be comparatively small, 
if it is undertaken only in a few other places. If the 
sailor needs such a motive in one port, he needs it through 
the world. If the master and the owner find it for their 
happiness and interest to know the character of the men 
they ship in one port, it would be equally for their benefit 
to have the advantage of the same information in every 
port round the globe. In short, masters assure us that 
although disposed to make every effort in their power, 
they shall not be able to afford all the encouragement to 
an institution of this kind, which we hope soon to estab- 
lish, that it may deserve, while standing alone. For 
when in other ports they must be always liable to ship 
sailors who have no certificate, and leave those who have, 
because there is no regular method of making the dis- 
tinction. And this, brethren and friends, is the special 
reason of our communication. Our minds have been 
deeply impressed with the importance of the object, and 
we have felt ourselves imperiously called upon by the 
indications of Providence to make an effort. But sensible 
as we are, that our influence must be exceedingly limited, 
unless something of the kind shall be attempted in other 
ports, we have taken the liberty of addressing the friends 
of seamen generally, for the purpose of soliciting their 
co-operation. And we trust we shall be permitted ear- 
nestly to entreat all bodies organized for their benefit, to 
give the subject a speedy and a careful examination. 



APPENDIX. 1 6iV 

Would it not be expedient for all such bodies to invite 
either stated or occasional meetings of ship-masters, in 
which a committee from the body shall meet them and 
discuss freely any subject pertaining to the welfare of 
seamen ? And if upon suitable investigation it shall ap- 
pear advisable, to establish institutions of the kind which 
has been proposed, may we not anticipate the united ex- 
ertions of Marine Associations, Ship-Owners and Ship- 
Masters, throughout the world ? We feel assured there is 
a kindred spirit glowing in the bosom of the friends of 
Zion of every nation. The unusual interest which has 
of late been excited in behalf of seamen, and the special 
success which has crowned the recent exertions for their 
welfare, encourage us to indulge hopes of no ordinary 
kind. And when we reflect on their number, the hardi- 
ness and energy of their character, and their constant 
intercourse with every part of the globe, what may we 
not expect from them, should they become Christians, 
towards evangelizing the world ? Every thing we do to 
elevate their character will have a tendency to bring 
them under the influence of the gospel. — Shall we not 
then in obedience to the indications of Providence, sum- 
mon our energies, combine our exertions, and make one 
effort corresponding, at least in some degree, with the 
movements of the day in which we live, earnestly sup- 
plicating that blessing, without which all human endea- 
vors will be utterly fruitless, and with which the feeblest 
may accomplish wonders. 

With much respect, 

We have the honour to be. 
Brethren and Friends, 

Yours most affectionately, 
In behalf of the Charleston Bethel Uniori. 
Thomas Napier, President, 
Joseph Brown, Corresponding Secretary, 



164 APPENDIX. 

Among the manuscripts of Mr. Eastburn, were found 
ii number of narratives and anecdotes, which were pre- 
faced as follows : — 

" As there are some remarkable things, which I have 
heard or known, and which I have never seen in print, 
and finding my memory failing, I would just write them, 
that they may not be forgotten — as they should be a 
warning to every one.* 

" In the congregation of Mr. Ramsey, near Cohansey, 
in Jersey, there was a young man who had made a pro- 
fession of religion, and was thought well of for some time ; 
but associating with vain worldly company, he was per- 
suaded, on a Christmas night, to attend at a jovial meet- 
ing for dancing and merriment. And as he was remarkable 
for activity, he was persuaded to take his turn in dancing. 
He accordingly stepped out on the floor with a young wo- 
man for the purpose, but the instant the violin began to 
play, he was struck dead. The company thought he was 
about to show some feats of his activity, which he had 
formerly done, and waited to see him spring to his feet ; 
but when they found he was dead, they all fled and left 
the house, and their mirth was turned into awful horror 
and alarm. The account spreading, and Mr. Ramsey 
giving out that he would preach a sermon upon the oc- 
casion on new-year day, many attended, and were much 
affected ; and this awful instance occasioned the begin- 
ning of a revival of religion there. (MS.) 



Mr. Kirkland, a missionary to the Indians, related the 
foUpwiog account. In a town in New-England where he 
hacl been, there were two young women who were very 
intimate : one of them became very serious ; but the 
other, havings an infidel father, who had brought her up 
in his sentiments, left her company, but was shortly after 
taken sick. This pious friend paid her a visit ; and upon 
reminding her of the importance of being prepared for 

* In connexion with these manuscripts, several printed articles 
were found, which Mr. E. had manifestly selected and preserved 
for the same purpose — We shall insert a few, distinguishing the 
manuscripts with the mark MS. 



APPENDIX. 165 

death, she forbade her to mention death in her hearing, 
until she should get well. Her friend expostulated with 
her, telling her, now was the time, and she knew not 
that she should recover. She then declared she would 
not hear her, and desired her to withdraw. Her physi- 
cian coming in, the sick one asked him what he thought 
of her case. He told her it was past the power of man 
to help her. She cried out, " O doctor, you must help 
me." He told her she must apply to the Lord, for he 
only could help her. She replied, the Lord I know will 
not help me, as 1 have refused to seek or serve him all 
my life ; and she would not hear any thing about death, 
or any thing that was good. The doctor withdrew, and 
her infidel father came in, when she told him that the 
doctor had informed her that she would die ; and said, 
" I now believe it, and I must be miserable ; and now I 
tell you, that your principles have ruined me for ever : 
and remember what I now tell you, when you see my 
body put in the coffin and lowered in the grave— then 
my soul will be in hell," — and in dreadful distress she 
expired. This being known, he said there were not less 
than two hundred people awakened by this awful case. 
(MS.) 

Mr. Kirkland also related the case of an officer in our 
American Revolution, who had from a child possessed 
infidel principles ; so that when quite young, when his 
mother, who was a pious woman, would catechise him, 
and ask him that question in the Assembly's catechism, 
" How many persons are there in the godhead V he 
would ridicule the question, and refuse to attend to her 
instructions. He became very vain and haughty, and en- 
tered into the army. Possessing much wit and humor, 
he was much admired by his brother officers, and at- 
tained to the rank of major in the standing army, and 
behaved as a resolute good officer until the war was 
over — when he returned to the town where his mother 
hved in New-England. At this time there was a revival 
of religion there, which he very much despised, and was 
quite provoked to find the young people so attentive to 
meetings. He therefore set himself to oppose the work^ 



166 APPENDIX. 

and prevailed with some to join him on sabbath evenings, 
to assemble together to mock the preaching of the day, 
and spend the rest of the time in merriment. He would 
go himself to hear preaching, to obtain something to ridi- 
cule. But while he was Hstening for this purpose, the 
Lord was pleased so to apply the word to his heart, that 
he knew not how to behave. He tried to overcome his 
impressions, and thought to brave it out, by going to his 
company again in the evening. But conscience made 
him linger by the way, until it was late. The company 
shouted at his coming, and inquired the reason of his 
delay ; when the impressions of the day came powerfully 
to his mind again. — Upon which he cried out that they 
were all in the way to hell, and that he had been the 
wicked leader, and now gave a solemn warning and for- 
sook the place. His distress became so great that he 
could scarce sleep or eat any, for three days and nights. He 
would cast himself upon the floor at night, wrapped in a 
blanket, and roll in anguish, crying out against himself 
as the chief of sinners. His mother finding his distress so 
great, began to fear the enemy might tempt him to destroy 
himself, and therefore, unknown to him, would watch 
him. Finding hi'n rise suddenly at midnight, and go out 
from the house, she followed him ; when at some dis- 
tance, in a private place, she perceived him on his knees, 
and could hear him with rapturous joy praising the Lord 
for the unspeakable gift of his Son, to be a Saviour for 
such poor lost sinners as he was, and enabling him to be- 
lieve in him ; and from that time he took an active part 
in promoting what he had before been trving to hinder. 
(MS.) 



Instances of Infidelity^ and marks of Divine displeasure. 
In the city of Boston, a company of infidels met for 
the purpose of ridiculing religion ; and after spending 
part of the night in a profane manner, three of them had 
to pass over the neck, and go some distance on a road, 
on the side of which was a burying ground. One of them 
observed that they had been disavowing any belief of a 
future state, or resurrection of tbc dead, and asked who 



APPENDIX. 167 

would go over the wall and stand upon a tomb-stone, 
and call the dead to come to judgment ; u^yon which one 
otfered to do so, and immediately stood ap and called 
aloud, " Arise ye dead and come to judgment." — A poor 
deranged woman, who often spent her nights among the 
tombs, at that time lay by the side of the one on which 
he stood, and hearing him call, instantly sprang up and 
cried, *' I am coming." This so dreadfully affrighted the 
poor infidel, that he fell into fits, and never afterwards 
recovered until he died. His companions were also 
dreadfully alarmed and confounded. (MS.) 



In the year 1 799, in the State of New- York, a similar 
company assembled for the same purpose, and spent the 
evening in ridiculing every thing serious and sacred. The 
servants who attended them declared that they made a 
mock sacrament, and gave the bread to the dogs, saying 
it was fit for such animals. After they had broken up, 
the president of the club, who was a physician, retired 
to his lodging, and told his landlady he wished to go to 
bed ; but said it was so damnM hot he did not expect to 
sleep. Not long after, the woman heard him groaning 
dreadfully, and went to know what was the cause. She 
found the agonies of death had come to call him to an- 
swer for his conduct, and before morning he expired. 
(MS.) 



In the City of Philadelphia, a like company associated 
themselves together every Sabbath, at a tavern, back of 
the city : and when a certain number were collected, 
they chose their officers, — in doing which the rule was, 
he should be president who had never prayed ; he should 
be vice-president who had never gone to church ; and 
he should be secretary who had never read the scrip- 
tures. They then proceeded to business, which was to 
make a mock at every thing serious and sacred — at all 
ministers, and professors of religion — and they continued 
in this way for some time. At one of the anniversary days 
of our American Independence, one of them was taken 
very sick, and not long after was seized with great horror 
of mind. He sent for the person who writes this account 
P 2 



168 APPENDIX 

at a late hour of the night, and said to him, you may 
think it strange that I have sent for you at such a time 
as this, but 1 am so tormented I could not refrain, I 
find I am a wretched ruined sinner, a God-provoking, 
blasphemous, wicked wretch : you visited my wife in her 
dying hours, and I have no doubt but she is gone to 
heaven ; but I am as sure, that in a little time I shall be 
in hell. She often entreated me to go with her to a place 
of worship, when I told her to go among the fools, but 
that I had better company, which consisted of infidels 
like myself. After expressing his abhorrence of his 
former conduct and great distress, he was told the Lord 
Jesus came to save sinners, even the chief This ap- 
peared to increase his agony. " Oh ! monster that I am ! 
1 have abused his name in a filthy manner, by calling 
him what is too vile to be repeated. I cannot expect 
any mercy on his account." Nor could any thing that 
was mentioned, afford the least relief. He was visited 
twice afterward, by the same person ; when he appeared 
more composed, but did not express any hope concerning 
himself; and shortly after the last visit, he expired. 

N. B. He requested a hymn might be sung, and being 
asked what one, he said, any good one the person pleased. 
The 51st Psalm w^as then sung, 

" Show pity Lord, O Lord forgive," — &c. 

Lest I might be called upon to qualify to the above, 
although I have not publicly mentioned his name, I now 
record it to be Benjamin Merrit, by trade a tailor, a 
ready speaker. His wife's maiden name w^as Britt, a 
member of Arch-street church. (MS.) 



The following account is taken from the Western Star, 
a Washington and Georgetown newspaper, dated Octo- 
ber <2Qth, 1801. 

Not many years ago several young men in a certain 
part of this country, who had for some time been asso- 
ciated together in literary pursuits, mutually agreed 
to give their serious attention to religious topics, and 
freely communicate their sentiments to each other. 



APPENDIX. 169 

After proceeding a while in conformity to this agreement, 
one of them at last avowed infidel principles ; declaring 
his disbelief, not only of the bible, but even of the exist- 
ence of God. His virtuous companions, though astonish- 
ed, and exceedingly shocked, by this declaration, assid- 
uously endeavored to convince and reclaim him ; but he 
treated their kind endeavors with scorn, upbraided them 
with superstitious weaknesses, and manifested a furious 
zeal in favor of infidelity. Thus finding him irreclaim- 
able, they withdrew from his society, and, still persisting 
in their serious inquiries, grew more and more confirmed 
in the all-important truth of religion, according to which 
they carefully regulated their lives. On the other hand, 
the unhappy youth, who had left their company, made 
them the subject of his daily derision, and profane scoffs ; 
and acting accordingly to the tendency of his infidel prin- 
ciples, he eagerly plunged into the vortex of dissipation 
and vice, and seemingly gloried in being unmeasurably 
wicked ; but his career was short. Suddenly struck by 
the hand of God, with a sickness, which, in its very 
commencement, appeared evidently to be the harbinger 
of death, his mind was at the same time stricken with 
indescribable horror. Positively declaring he should die, 
and inevitably sink to the regions of woe, he utterly re- 
fused both medicine and consolation ; but, at the same 
time, earnestly requested to see his former companions : 
when they had arrived, they kindly began to attempt 
soothing his distress ; but he instantly forbade any efforts 
of the kind, and then addressed them in the following 
manner : — 

" You behold me, (said he,) an awful monument of 
heaven's justice ! I lately told you that there was no God. 
1 now know that there is a God — I feel the weight of 
his displeasure, which is a thousand times more intolerable 
than my pain of body. I lately told you that there was 
no state of punishment for the wicked — I now awfully 
experience the contrary — I feel hell in my own breast 
and know that I am now sinking into that abyss of woe 
and destruction !" Almost immediately after uttering 
these sentiments, he expired ; and the unutterable horror& 



no APPENDIX. 



of his departing spirit, marked his Hfeless corpse with 
such a pecuHar and frightful ghastUness, as made the be- 
holders tremble. 



From the Long Island Patriot. 
AWFUL WARNING! 

Some few months ago, during the performance of di- 
vine service on board the receiving-ship at this place, one 
of the men contrived to slip out of the congregation, 
beckoned to one of his shipmates, and went below. He 
did not, however, escape unobserved ; an officer followed 
him on tip-toe, and the man, presuming that it was his 
comrade, said, in an under-voice, " come, let us have a 
snug game at cards." When the service was over, the 
culprit was summoned by the commanding officer, who 
severely reprimanded him before the assembled crew, 
and dismissed him with these words : " How do you know 
but this may be the last opportunity you will have of 
hearing a sermon ?" The next morning he fell from the 
mast-head^ and was picked np a corpse ! 

Three Sabbaths ago, during divine service in the same 
place, a man behaved with so little decorum, that an 
officer was sent to check him. After service, the offender 
was publicly rebuked — was reminded of the preceding 
anecdote, and dismissed with this remark : " Who can 
tell but this may be your fate to-morrow?" The next 
mornings he was ordered to perform some duty aloft,/e// 
from the mast-head^ and was picked up a coipse ! The 
narrative requires no comment. 

Brooklyn^ 3d July ^ 1821. 



A copy of a representation of John Williams''s life, 
John Williams, a colored man, believed to be of an 
Indian extract, appeared to have been afflicted with the 
rheumatism twenty years or upwards. He served about 
four years as an apprentice with Robert Eastburn of 
New- Brunswick, New-Jersey ; and during that time, and 
before, he was in a weak state of body. But his com- 



APPENDIX. 171 

plaints increased, so that for about twelve years before his 
death, he appeared unable to help himself in bed. He 
possessed good natural understanding, for one in his con- 
dition. He could read well, and appeared at times to 
possess some serious reflections of mind, but continued 
rather impenitent ; had an undue fondness for spiritous 
liquors ; and was disposed to use profane language. But 
by means of some instrumental help, attended by divine 
mercy, he came under deep convictions, and was nearly, 
if not entirely, in a state of despair. This continued, as 
is believed, for some months ; after which time, light 
arose on his mind, and he rejoiced greatly, giving glory 
to the Most High. And it is believed that the greatest 
part of his time, until his death, his mind was exercised 
in devotion, prayer, and praise. I visited him at sundry 
times, as opportunity offered, and to the best of my re- 
membrance, he appeared in nearly the same exercise of 
mind. One evening in particular, I appointed to go and 
stay with him at his dwelhng all the night : and when I 
came to the door, I heard him in the act of praise. I 
went in and saw him ; he appeared pleased, and I en- 
joyed a pleasing conversation with him, and when I re- 
tired to rest, I awoke at different times in the night, and 
heard him in acts of prayer or praise. What was singu- 
larly remarkable, and perhaps beyond any thing known 
or scarcely heard of, is, that for some years before his 
death, his jaws were set, and his whole body stiff, with- 
out any capacity to move. His hands were greatly de- 
formed, and laid across his body ; his neck was also stiff. 
He lay with some support under his shoulders, but could 
not bear any thing to rest his head on. He appeared to 
possess but little life, except in his tongue and one eye. 
He had a book placed before him by his request, and was 
supported in such a position that he could look into it ; 
and he learned the contents in a remarkable manner, so 
that he repeated and sang them over, in a clear and dis- 
tinct voice, and it appeared as an act of solemn praise. 
It will also appear wonderful, that about the time of his 
jaws being set, two of his teeth came out, whereby he 
ivas enabled to receive nourishment, by means of its 



172 APPENDIX. 

being poured into his mouth from a teapot, or put other- 
ways through this vacancy. He could move his tongue 
and one eye, but otherways was motionless. (MS.) 



The following affecting story of a Poor Drummer and 
his Boy^ is extracted from a volume of Newton's Letters, 
and it is hoped will prove edifying to the reader. 

When on a preaching tour with a friend, we met with 
a pious drummer belonging to a regiment quartered in a 
town which we visited. We invited him to sup with us 
in the inn. After supper, we requested him to favor us 
with his history, which he did with great modesty and 
seriousness in the following words, which are as nearly 
his ow^n as I can recollect. I have been (said he,) twenty- 
four years in the army and navy together. Till four years 
ago I was the wickedest wretch in either. Our regiment 
was then at Hull. I was seized with an unaccountable 
melancholy : it was not about religion. I do not know 
what it was, but I was miserable. One evening, as I 
was walking on the common, very unhappy, I observed 
a church lighted up, which convinced me there was ser- 
mon in it, but I durst not go lest my comrades should 
laugh at me, for going to sermon on a week day. I knelt 
upon the common and prayed to God to give me courage 
to go to church. When 1 rose 1 went directly to church. 
The minister was preaching upon believing on the Lord 
Jesus Christ. Immediately w^hen I was seated, the min- 
ister said, " If it could be of the smallest service to the 
meanest person present, I would come down from the 
pulpit, and on my bended knees beseech that person to 
beheve in the Lord Jesus Christ." Thought I, this must 
be a mighty matter surely, that a gentleman would come 
down from the pulpit, and on his bended knees beseech 
a poor drummer to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
That, with the remainder of his sermon, made a deep im- 
pression on my mind. I went home to my wife : she met 
me at the door. I said to her, Jane, we are all wrong, 
we are hving like beasts, we know nothing about behev- 
ing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Poor thing ! she trembled, 
for she thought I was gone mad ; but, said I, Jane, I am 



APPENDIX. 173 

not mad, but you and I are going to destruction. I un- 
derstand the bible will tell us every thing ; but we have 
not a bible, and though we had, we cannot read it. O, 
said she, we can buy a bible, and our little boy, who is 
only twelve miles off, can read it to us. Accordingly we 
sent for our boy, and also bought a bible. When he 
came home, we desired him to begin at the first page and 
read forward to the end of the book. We gave him al- 
ways two suppers to keep him from sleep, for he got 
drowsy with reading. I used to rise very early in the 
morning to hear more of the bible ; but I would say, it is 
cruel to awake my boy so early, and would give him 
another hour of sleep ; then he arose and began to read 
where he had stopped the preceding night,and we both 
sat listening to our boy reading the book. He read slow, 
for he had many hard words to spell. At length God 
opened my poor bhnd eyes to see that Jesus Christ was 
the very Saviour I stood in need of. O how happy I was! 
Our boy read onward, and the Lord was pleased to open 
the poor blind eyes of my wife, so that she saw in Jesus 
Christ just what I saw. Now we became one of the 
happiest families in all Hull. 

1 had put myself to school that I might learn to read, 
and in a few months I was able to read nearly as well as 
my little boy. I determined that my house should be a 
house of prayer, and my door open to all who should 
choose to come. I told my comrades I had now begun 
to pray to God, and read his word every morning and 
evening ; and I should be glad of their company at these 
times. Several attended to make sport. When I could 
not make out a long word, then they all laughed, but I 
thought now, a few months ago I would have laughed at 
these things as well as they, but if God opens their eyes 
as he has mine, they will laugh no more at these things — 
so I read on as well as I was able. By and by some of 
them became very serious, but drink and wicked com- 
pany did them much injury. One of them however re- 
mains very stedfast to this day. 



1 74 APPENDIX. 

A common hackney-coachman had a most remarkable 
dream not long since, which is as follows : — He dreamed, 
one Saturday evening, that he v;as out with his coach, 
plying for a fair ; and, being engaged, had directions given 
him where to drive. As he was carrying his passengers, 
he thought he was called to ascend an exceeding steep 
hill ; and when he reached the summit, he found the de- 
clivity of the hill still more troublesome. However, with 
great difficulty he got down ; and, as he proceeded, he 
arrived at a pair of great iron gates, wide open. When 
he had passed them, he found himself in an uncommonly 
dark and gloomy place, in which were vast crowds of 
people dressed in mourning ; all of whom, by their coun- 
tenances, seemed to be in a very pensive frame of mind. 
Hereupon he stopped, and asked one of the persons what 
place that was ? He answered, " It was hell." " Hell !" 
said the coachman, " I have had more frightful ideas of 
hell than this appears to be : if this be hell, I shall not 
be under such fearful apprehensions of hell as formerly." 
Upon this the person informed him, " that hell was not 
so much outward, as it was inward ;" and, as a proof of 
this, he opened his waistcoat, and showed him his heart, 
which was in a flame of fire. This shocked the coach- 
man to a great degree : but the person proceeded to in- 
form him, " that his case was not singularly shocking, for 
all whom he then saw were in the same condition ;" and 
added, "if he would accompany him, he should see 
worse than that." 

This the coachman refused, and, in great confusion 
and consternation, attempted to return. But, to his sur- 
prise, the person, in conjunction with others, caught hold 
of him, and refused to let him go, except he would 
promise to come again. After he had used every effort 
to free himself, to no effect, he at last promised, " If they 
would let him go, he would certainly come again at 
twelve o'clock." Upon this condition they let him de- 
part, and he drove off in haste. When he was got out, 
he awoke in great horrors of mind. He then awoke his 
wife, and related the whole to her ; but she treated it 
with ridicule, and soon went to sleep again. But the 
poor man slept no more ; and in the morning said, " he 



APPENDIX. 175 

was afraid he should die, and go to hell ;'' and desired 
his wife to seek for some man to go out with the coach 
that day, for he could not ; and refused to eat or drink 
any thing. Hereupon his wife took fire, and used him 
with rough language; and went among her acquaintance, 
ridiculing his fancy, and said her husband was going to 
hell at twelve o'clock. This passed on, and the man got 
worse in his mind, till the clock struck twelve ; when his 
wife damned him, and said, " It is twelve o'clock, and 
you are not yet gone to hell." With that he replied, 
" Hold your tongue, for I am going ;" and immediately 
fell down dead. This the person related to the minister, 
the Rev. Mr. W. who communicated it to me as certain ; 
and subjoined that the wife was then almost in a state of 
distraction. 



Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her 
paths are paths of peace. This is only truly known by 
those who have their minds enlightened by the teaching 
of the Holy blessed Spirit of the Lord. One instance, 
among the cloud of witnesses, is that of a young woman, 
well educated, of sprightly talents, the life of young com- 
pany, an excellent singer, her company earnestly sought 
for by the gay and thoughtless ; but by attending a religious 
meeting, she was led to see that her course of hfe would 
lead to everlasting sorrow. So powerful was the im- 
pression, that she trembled ; and from that time she be- 
gan to seek a refuge for her soul. At another meeting, 
her mind was much relieved, by these words, " they that 
sow in tears shall reap in joy." Some time after, while 
alone, meditating upon divine things, her joy was as great as 
her human frame could support. At this time several of 
her young friends came to visit her, and seeing her in such 
a wonderful frame of mind, inquired if she had lost her 
reason. She meekly replied, that she never possesj^ed it 
more than at present ; but that her mind was turned from 
vanity to real and substantial happiness : and she said she 
could declare, that if she could unite all the happiness she 
ever enjoyed, in all the company she ever attended, one 



1 76 APPENDIX. 

hour of her present joy would far surpass them all. And 
now, said she, I do not want to part with you, although 
I cannot join you in our former vain amusements. I do 
entreat you to join me, in walking the narrow road that 
leads to happiness. At first they tried to banish every 
serious thought, and made light of all she could say to 
them. But her affectionate address was so powerfully im- 
pressed upon some of them, that after serious reflection, 
they united with her and became happy companions. She 
made rapid advances in divine things, and was fast pre- 
paring for higher enjoyments in a better world ; and did 
shortly after meet death with sweet composure, without 
a sting, and saying, " My heavenly Father, receive thy 
poor child home, O precious Saviour, into thy hands I 
commit my spirit !" And thus without the least symptom 
of uneasiness, she left a world of sorrow, to inherit eter- 
nal joy. (MS.) 



MR. EASTBURH'S WIXiZi. 



[It would be great injustice to the memory of Mr. Eastburn, not 
to record his pious concern for the spiritual interests of sea- 
men, even after his decease : and it is believed there can be 
no better memorial of this instance of his Christian charity, 
than to publish his will; in which it will be perceived, that he 
devoted the far larger part of his property, to make permanent 
provision for a preacher to the mariners when he should be no 
more, after having served them gratuitously while he lived.] 



With solemn reverence before the Lord, I, Joseph 
Eastburn, of the city of Philadelphia, preacher of the 
gospel to the mariners, being of sound mind, memory, 
and judgment ; and wishing while in such a state to de- 
clare my last Will and Testament, with respect to that 
property which a kind Providence has intrusted to my 
stewardship, do ordain this to be my last Will and Testa- 
ment, revoking all of a previous date. 

First, I commend my soul to the hands of my Re- 
deemer, to be presented by him, clothed with his right- 
eousness, before the throne of God, and my body to be 
fashioned like his own glorious body in the last great day. 

Second, After my executors shall have buried my 
body in a manner which to them shall seem fit, and which 
I desire may be done, if I die in Philadelphia, by the side 
of the grave of my wife in Arch-street burying ground, 
and shall have discharged the expenses of my funeral, 
including one hundred dollars which I direct to be paid 
to the trustees of the Second Presbyterian Church, for 
the ground, and all my just debts, then I give and be- 
c^ueath the following legacies, to wit :— 



178 APPENDIX. 

To Robert Eastburn, son of my deceased brother 
Robert, the sum of fifty dollars, and Scott's Bible, which 
he requested ; and to his son Joseph, my silver watch. 

To Thomas Eastburn, another son of my deceased 
brother Robert, the sum of sixty dollars. 

To Mary Ann Jones, daughter of my said brother, the 
sum of sixty dollars. 

To the two sons of Abigail Boyer, who are grandsons 
of my said brother, the sum of forty dollars to each of 
them, to be kept for them by Robert Eastburn, or Mary 
Ann Jones. 

To the daughters of my brother John Eastburn, who 
are poor, to wit : Sarah Eastburn and Maria Wells, to 
each of them the sum of one hundred dollars. 

To my dear aged friend, captain Benjamin Wicks, for 
his kind attention to my poor son, one hundred dollars. 

To Mr. John Harned, who has acted as clerk in our 
Mariner's Church, oi:e hundred dollars. 

To the family of Mr Gilbert Gaw deceased, who was 
with us in the Mariner's Church from the first, one hun- 
dred dollars. 

The best cloak, the best hat, and the best coat in my 
wardrobe, given to such minister of the gospel, as my 
executors or a majority of them, may think proper, and 
the residue of my weariiig apparel to my niece, Maria 
Wells, for the use of her children. 

The open stove, and the time-piece fixed above it in 
the parlour of my dwelling, to remain as fixtures, and for 
the use of the family who for the time being may occupy 
the house. 

And to my housekeeper, Ann Mack, who has been very 
attentive to me for more than eight years, one hundred 
and fifty dollars, in addition to any wages which may be 
due to her at the time of my decease. 

And I do direct the foregoing legacies to be paid as 
soon after my decease as conveniently may be, by my 
executors. 

Third, I do give, devise, and bequeath all the rest, 
residue, and remainder of my estate, real and personal, 
whatsoever and wheresoever, to the Trustees of the 



APPENDIX. 17 fj 

General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in the 
United States of America, and to their successors and 
assigns for ever : to be held by them in trust, and for the 
use and purpose of supporting a preacher or preachers 
of the gospel to the mariners, in and of the port of Phila- 
delphia : and for that end to pay over the clear net in- 
come or product of said estate, to such person or persons, 
as shall be designated to them by the Presbytery of Phil- 
adelphia as animated, zealous, and orthodox in preaching 
the everlasting gospel to said mariners ; and in visiting, as 
may be convenient to him or them, the hospitals, poor- 
houses, and prisons of Philadelphia : such payment to be 
made semi-annually : and the said Presbytery not to be 
liable to any claim from any preacher to the mariners, but 
upon their appointment of him, and agreement with him : 
and in default of any such designation by the Presbytery 
of Philadelphia, I will and direct, that the said income be 
applied and paid by the Trustees of the General Assembly 
of the Presbyterian Church, in the United States of 
America, to and for such religious objects and purposes as 
they may think proper : always desiring that my affection 
for the mariners, and my desire to promote the eternal 
interest of that class of my fellow-beings, may be, so far 
as is practicable, borne in mind, in the distribution of said 
income : and as, whilst meditating alone, I thought of the 
kindness of the Lord to me in giving me a comfortable 
house, and allowing me to Hve in it above forty-two 
years, I concluded it might be an encouragement to the 
Mariner's Church to have it as a parsonage-house for the 
preacher, if appointed as above, for the time he may be 
the minister, he paying the taxes and repairs, 1 do there- 
fore authorize and empower the said trustees, to devote 
the house and lot where I now dwell to the said purpose 
of a parsonage-house for said church : to be occupied by 
the preacher for the time being, if he have a family ; but 
if he be a single man, and not desire to live in it, then to 
be rented for the use and benefit of said church, in the 
manner aforesaid. 

Last, I do appoint Robert Ralston, Jacob J. Jane- 
way, D. D., Mr. Jacob Dutton, Mr. Thomas Latimer, and 
Q2 



180 APPENDIX. 

Mr. John Willis, all of Philadelphia, to be the executors 
of this my last will and testament. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
seal, this twenty- fourth day of November, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven. 
JOSEPH EASTBURN. (Seal.) 

Signed, sealed, published, and declared by Joseph 
Eastburn, as and for his last Will and Testament, in the 
presence of us. 

Joseph Lesley, 

John H. Irwin. 



SECOND APPENDIX. 



It may be recollected that in the account given by 
Mr. Eastburn of his first religious exercises, he mentions 
that his " father having been a prisoner among the hi- 
dians, brought his circumstances too low to afford his 
son more than a common English education." A narra- 
tive of this Indian captivity was printed in 1758 ; and a 
copy of it was preserved with great care by Mr. Eastburn. 
It is certainly both entertaining and instructive ; and it 
has been thought proper to preserve, in a separate ap- 
pendix, this memorial of a father whom the subject of 
the foregoing memoirs greatly loved and venerated. As the 
whole of this narrative, both in its substance and manner 
of statement, is calculated to exhibit the state of things 
in our country, in times long since gone by, it is given, 
with the title-page of the pamphlet which contains it, 
and the preface and recommendation by which it is in- 
troduced. 



FAITHFUL NARRATIVE 

OF 
THE MANY DANGERS AND SUFFERINGS, 

AS WELL AS 
WONDERFUL DELIVERANCES 

OP 

ROBERT EASTBURN, 

DURING HIS LATE CAPTIVITY AMONG THE INDIANS; 

TOGETHER WITH SOME REMARKS UPON THE COUNTRY OF CANADA. 

AND THE RELIGION AND POLICY OF ITS INHABITANTS ; 

THE WHOLE INTERMIXED WITH DEVOUT 

REFLECTIONS. 

BY ROBERT EASTBURN. 



Published at the earnest request of many friends, for the benefit 
of the Author. 



WITH A RECOMMENDATORY PREFACE BY THE 

REV. GILBERT TENNENT. 



Psalm cx.xiv. C, 7. — Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their 

teetli : Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler : the snare is 

broken, and we are escaped 
PsAi,M ciii. 2, 4. — Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits: WIio 

redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crownetli tliee with loving-kindness and 

tender mercies. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PRINTED BY WILLIAM DUNLAP. 

1758. 



PREFACE. 



Candid Reader, 

The Author (and subject) of the ensuing Narrative (who is a 
deacon of our Church, and has been so for many years) is of such 
an established good character, that he needs no recommendation of 
others, where he is known : a proof of which, was the genex-al joy 
of the inhabitants of this city, occasioned by his return from a mise- 
rable captivity; together with the readiness of divers persons, to 
contribute to the relief of himself and necessitous family, without 
any request of his, or the least motion of that tendency ! — But, see- 
ing the following sheets are like to spread into many places where 
he is not known, permit me to say, that upon long acquaintance, I 
have found him to be a person of candor, integrity, and sincere 
piety ; whose testimony may with safety be depended upon, which 
gives his narrative the greater weight, and may induce to read it 
with the greater pleasure. The design of it is evidently pious. The 
matters contained in it, and manner of handhng them, will, I hope, 
be esteemed by the in^pai tial, to be entertaining and improving. I 
heartily wish it may, by the divine benediction, be of great and du- 
rable service. I am thy sincere servant in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1758. Gilbert Tennent. 



Kind Readers, 

On my return from my captivity, I had no thoughts of publishing 
any observations of mine to the world in this manner ; as I had no 
opportunity to keep a journal, and my memory being broken, and 
capacity small, I was disinclined to undertake it : but a number of 
my friends were pressing in their persuasions that I should do it; 
with whose motion I complied, from a sincere regard to God, my 
king, and country, so far as I know my own heart. The following 
pages contain, as far as I can remember, the most material passages 
that happened within the compass of my observation, while a pris- 
oner in Canada. The facts therein related are certainly true ; but 
the way of representing some things especially, is not so regular, 
clear, and strong, as I could wish ; but I trust it will be some apol- 
ogy, that I am not so much acquainted with performances of this 
kind as many others, who may be hereby excited to give better 
representations of things far beyond my knowledge. 
I remain your unfeigned well-wisher, 

and humble servant, 

Philadelphia, Jan, 19, 1758. Robert Eastburn. 



( 185 ) 



NARRATIVE, &c. 



About thirty tradesmen and myself, arrived at Captain 
Williams' fort, (at the carrying place,) in our way to Os- 
wego, the 26th of March, 1756, who informed me that 
he was like to be cumbered in the fort, and therefore 
advised us to take the Indian-house for our lodging. 
About ten o'clock next day, a negro man came running 
down the road, and reported that our siaymen were all 
taken by the enemy. Caf»tain Williams, on hearing this, 
sent a serjeant and about twelve men to see if it was 
true. I being at the Indian-house, and not thinking my- 
self safe there in case of an attack, and being also sin- 
cerely willing to serve my king and country in the best 
manner I could, in my present circumstances, asked him 
if he would take company? He replied, with all his 
heart. Hereupon I fell into the rear, with my arms, and 
marched after them. When we had advanced about a 
quarter of a mile, we heard a shot, followed with doleful 
cries of a dying man, which excited me to advance, in 
order to discover the enemy, who I soon perceived were 
prepared to receive us. In this dilKcult situation, seeing 
a large pine tree near, I repaired to it for shelter ; and 
while the enemy were viewing our party, I having a good 
chance of killing two at a shot, quickly discharged at 
them, but could not certainly know what execution was 
done till some time after — our company likewise discharg- 
ed, and retreated : seeing myself in danger of being sur- 
rounded, I was obliged to retreat a different course, and 
to my great surprise, fell into a deep mire, which the 
enemy, by following my track in a hght snow, soon dis- 
covered, and obliged me to surrender, to prevent a cruel 
death — (they stood ready to drive their darts into my 
body, in case I reft^sed to deliver up my arms.) Presently 
after I was taken I was surrounded by a great number, 
who stripped me of my clothing, hat, and neckcloth, so 
that I had notliing left but a flannel vest without sleeves, 



186 APPENDIX. 

put a rope on my neck, bound my arms fast behind me, 
put a long band round my body, and a large pack on my 
back, struck me on the head a severe blow, and drove 
me through the woods before them — it is not easy to con- 
ceive how distressing such a condition is — in the mean 
time 1 endeavored with all my little remaining strength, 
to lift up my eyes to God, from whom alone I could with 
reason expect relief. 

Seventeen or eighteen prisoners were soon added to 
our number, one of which informed me that the Indians 
were angry with me, and reported to some of their chiefs 
that I had fired on them, wounded one, and killed an- 
other, for which he doubted they would kill me. Here- 
upon I considered that the hearts of all men are in the 
hand of God, and that one hair of our head cannot fall 
to the ground without his permission. I had not as yet 
learned what number the enemy's parties consisted of; 
there being only about one hundred Indians who had 
lain in ambush on the road, to kill or take into captivity 
all that passed between the two forts. Here an inter- 
preter came to me to inquire what strength Captain Wil- 
liams had to defend his fort ? After a short pause I gave 
such a discouraging answer (yet consistent with truth) as 
prevented their attacking it, and of consequence the effu- 
sion of much blood — a gracious Providence, which I 
desire ever to retain a grateful sense of, for hereby it 
evidently appeared, that 1 was suffered to fall into the 
hands of the enemy, to promote the good of my country- 
men to better purpose, than I could by continuing with 
them — verily, the Almighty is wise in council, and won- 
derful in working ! 

In the mean time, the enemy determined to destroy 
Bull's Fort, (at the head of Wood creek,) which they 
soon effected, all being put to the sword except five per- 
sons, the fort burnt, the provision and powder destroyed; 
(saving only a little for their own use ;) then they retired 
to the woods, and joined their main body, which, inclu- 
sive, consisted of four hundred French and three hundred 
Indians, commanded by one of the principal gentlemen 
of Qiiebec. As soon as they got together (having a ^nest 
with them) they fell on their knees and returned thanks 



APPENDIX. 187 

for their victory; an example this, worthy of imitation — 
an example, which may make profane pretended Protest- 
ants blush, (if they are not lost to all sense of shame,) 
who, instead of acknowledging a God, or Providence, in 
their military undertakings, are continually reproaching 
him with oaths and curses; is it any wonder that the 
attempts of such are blasted with disappointment and 
disgrace ? 

The enemy had several wounded men, both French 
and Indians, among them, which they carried on their 
backs; besides which, about fifteen of their number were 
killed, and of us about forty : it being by this time near 
dark, and some Indians drunk, they only marched about 
four miles and encamped ; the Indians untied my arms, 
cut hemlock boughs, and strewed round the fire, tied my 
band to two trees, with my back on the green boughs, 
(by the fire,) covered me with an old blanket, and lay 
down across my band, on each side, to prevent my escape 
while they slept. 

Sunday the 28th, rose early ; the commander ordered 
a hasty retreat towards Canada, for fear of General John- 
son; in the mean time, one of our men said, he under- 
stood the FVench and Indians designed to join a strong 
party, and fall on Oswego before our forces there could 
get any provision or succours, having, as they thought, 
put a stop to our relieving them for a time. When we 
encamped in the evening, the commanding officer ordered 
the Indians to bring me to his tent, and asked me, by an 
interpreter, if I thought General Johnson would follow 
Ihem? I told him I judged not, but rather thought he 
would proceed to Oswego ; (which was indeed my senti- 
ment, grounded upon prior information, and then express- 
ed to prevent the execution of their design ;) he farther 
inquired, what was my trade ? I told him that of a smith ; 
he then persuaded me, when I got to Canada, to send for 
my wife, ' for (said he) you can get a rich living there ;' 
but when he saw that he could not prevail, he asked na 
more questions, but commanded me to return to my In- 
dian master: having this opportunity of conversation, I 
informed the General that his Indian warriors had strip- 
ped me of my clothing, and would be glad he would be 
R 



188 APPENDIX. 

good enough to order me some relief; to which he repH- 
ed, that I would get clothes when I came to Canada, 
which was cold comfort to one almost frozen ! On my 
return, the Indians perceiving I was unwell, and could 
not eat their coarse food, ordered some chocolate (which 
they had brought from the carrying place) to be boiled 
for me, and seeing me eat that, appeared pleased. A 
strong guard was kept every night. One of our men being 
weakened by his wounds, and rendered unable to keep 
pace with them, was killed and scalped on the road — I 
was all this time almost naked, travelling through deep 
snow, and wading through rivers cold as ice. 

After seven days' march, we arrived at Lake Ontario, 
where I eat some horse-flesh, which tasted very agreea- 
bly, for to the hungry man, as Solomon observes, every 
bitter thing is sweet* The French carried several of 
their wounded men all the way upon their backs, and 
(many of them wore no breeches in their travels in this 
cold season ; they are strong, hardy men.) The Indians 
had three of their party wounded, which they likewise 
carried on their backs — I wish there was more of this 
hardness, so necessary for war, in our nation, which 
would open a more encouraging scene than appears at 
present. The prisoners were so divided, that but few 
could converse together on our march, and (which was 
still more disagreeable and distressing) an Indian, who 
had a large bunch of green scalps, taken off our men's 
heads, marched before me, and another with a sharp 
spear behind, to drive me after him, by which means, the 
scalps were very often close to my face, and as we march- 
ed, they frequently every day gave the dead shout, which 
was repeated as many times as there were captives and 

* On the Friday before we arriv^ed at the Lake, the Indians killed 
a porcupine, which is in bigness equal to a large raccoon, with short 
legs, is covered with long hair intermixed with sharp quills, which 
are their defence. It is indeed dangerous coming very near them, 
because they cast their quills (which are like barbed irons or darts) 
at any thing that opposeth them, which when they pierce, are not 
easy to be drawn out, for, though their points are sharp and smooth, 
they have a kind of beard, which makes them stick fast; however, 
the Indians threw it on a large fire, burnt off the hair and quills, 
roasted and eat of it, with whom I had a part. 



APPENDIX. 189 

scalps taken. In the midst of this gloomy scene, when I 
considered how many poor souls were hurried into a vast 
eternity, with doubts of their unfitness for such a change, 
it made me lament and expostulate in the manner follow- 
ing: — Oh Sin! what hast thou done? what desolation and 
ruin hast thou brought into this miserable world ? What 
am I, that I should be thus spared ! My afflictions are 
certainly far less than my sins deserve. Through the 
exceeding richness of divine goodness and grace, I was 
in this distressing situation supported and comforted by 
these passages of sacred scripture, viz. That our light 
afflictions, which last but for a moment, shall work for 
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; 
and that, though no afflictions are for the present joyous, 
but grievous, yet, nevertheless, they afterwards yield the 
peaceable fruits of righteousness to them who are exer- 
cised thereby; and farther, that all things shall work 
together for good, to them that love .God — to them who 
are the called, according to his purpose. But to return. 

I may with justice and truth observe, that our enemies 
leave no stone unturned to compass our ruin; they pray, 
work, and travel, to bring it about, and are unwearied 
in the pursuit, while many among us sleep in a storm that 
has laid a good part of our country desolate, and threatens 
the whole with destruction. Oh ! may the Almighty 
awake us, cause us to see our danger before it be too 
late, and grant us salvation ! Oh ! that we may be of 
good courage, and play the man, for our people, and the 
cities of our God ! But, alas ! I am obliged to turn my 
face towards cold Canada, among inveterate enemies, 
and innumerable dangers ! Oh Lord, I pray thee be my 
safeguard; thou hast already covered me in the hollow 
of thy hand ; when Death cast darts all around me, and 
many fell on every side, I beheld thy salvation ! 

April 4th, several French batteaux met us, and brought 
a large supply of provision, the sight of which caused 
great joy, for we were in great want ; then a place was 
soon erected to celebrate mass in, which being ended, 
we all went over the mouth of a river, where it empties 
itself into the east end of Lake Ontario ; a great part of our 
company set off on foot towards Oswegotchy, while the 



190 APPENDIX. 

rest were ordered into batteaux, and carried towards the 
entrance of St Lawrence, (where that river takes its be- 
ginning,) but by reason of bad weather, wind, rain, and 
snow, whereby the waters of the Lake were troubled, 
we were obliged to lie by and haul our batteaux on shore; 
here I lay on the cold shore two days. Tuesday, set oif 
and entered the head of St. Lawrence in the afternoon ; 
came to late at night, made fires but did not lie down to 
sleep ; embarked long before day, and after some miles' 
progress down the river, we saw many fires on our right 
hand^ which were made by the men who left us, and 
Went by land; with them we staid till day, and then again 
embarked in our batteaux; the weather was very bati; 
(it showed fast all day ;) near night arrived at Oswegot- 
chy; I was almost starved to death, but hoped to stay in 
this Indian town till warm weather ; slept in an Indian 
wigwam ; rose early in the morning (being Thursday) 
and soon to my grief discovered my disappointment. 
Several of the prisoners had leave to tarry here, but I 
must go two hundred miles farther down stream to an- 
other Indian town ; the morning being extremely cold, I 
applied to a French merchant (or trader) for some old 
rags of clothing, for I was almost naked, but to no pur- 
pose. 

About ten o'clock, was ordered into a batteau, on oui 
way down the river, with eight or nine Indians, one of 
which was the man wounded in the skirmish before men- 
tioned ; at night we went on shore, the snow being much 
deeper than before ; we cleared it away, and made a 
large fire ; here, when the wounded Indian cast his eyes 
upon me, his old grudge revived ; he took my blanket 
from me, and commanded me to dance round the fire, 
barefoot, and sirig the prisoner'' s song^ which I utterly 
refused ; this surprised one of my fellow-prisoners, who 
told me they would put me to death; (for he understood 
what they said ;) he therefore tried to persuade me to 
comply, but I desired him to let me alone, and was, 
through great mercy, enabled to reject his importunity 
with abhorrence. The Indian also continued urging, 
saying, you shall dance and sing — but apprehending my 
compliance sinful, I determined to persist in declining i1 



APPENDIX. 191 

at all adventures, and to leave the issue to the divine dis- 
posal. The Indian, perceiving his orders disobeyed, was 
fired with indignation, and endeavored to push me into 
the fire, which I leaped over, and he being weak with 
his wounds, and not being assisted by any of his brethren, 
was obliged to desist. For this gracious interposure of 
Providence, in preserving me both from sin and danger, 
I desire to bless God while I live. 

Friday morning, was almost perished with cold. Sat- 
urday, proceeded on our way and soon came in sight of 
the upper part of the inhabitants of Canada ; here I was 
in great hopes of some relief, not knowing the manner of 
the Indians, who do not make many stops among the 
French, in their return from war, till they get home — 
however, when they came near some rapid falls of water, 
one of my fellow-prisoners, and several Indians, together 
with myself, were put on shore to travel by land, which 
pleased me well, it being much warmer running on the 
snow, than lying still in the batteau ; we passed by sev- 
eral French houses, but stopt at none ; the vessel going 
down a rapid stream, it required haste to keep pace with 
her; we crossed over a point of land, and found the bat- 
teau waiting for us, as near the shore .as the ice would 
permit. Here we left St. Lawrence and turned up Con- 
asadauga river,* but it being frozen up we hauled our 



* The river St. Lawrence, at Lake Ontario, takes its beginning 
through several islands, by which we are in no necessity of coming- 
within sight of Frontenac, when we go down the river; it is smooth 
water from thence to Oswegotchy ; (or, as it is called by the French, 
Legalet;) but from hence to Montreal, the water is more swift, with 
a number of rapid streams, though not dangerous to pass through 
with small boats and bark canoes, provided the steersmen are care- 
ful and acquainted with the places. In transporting provision and 
wai Hke stores up stream from Canada to Lake Ontario, there is 
a necessity of unloading batteaux at several of the rapid streams, 
and hauling them empty through shoal water near the shore, and 
carrying the loading by land to where the water is more slack — 
though thei'e be several of these places, yet the land carriage is not 
very far. The land on both sides the river appears fertile a great 
part of the way from the I^^ake to Montreal ; but the nearer the 
latter, the worse — more miry and stony. The timber is white pinq, 
asli, maple, beech, hickory, hemlock, spruce, and from the Lake 
about one hundred and fifty miles down, plenty of white oaj£, but 
cone about Montreal of that kind. 

R2 



192 APPENDIX. 

batteau on shore, and each of us took our share of her 
loading on our backs, and marched towards Conasadauga, 
an Indian town, which was our designed port, but could 
not reach it that night; came to a French house, cold, 
weary, and hungry; here my old friend, the wounded 
Indian, again appeared, and related to the Frenchman 
the affair of my refusing to dance, who immediately as- 
sisted the Indian to strip me of my flannel vest before 
mentioned, which was my all. Now they were resolved 
to compel me to dance and sing. The Frenchman was 
as violent as the Indian, in promoting this imposition; but 
the women belonging to the house, seeing the rough 
usage I had, took pity on me, and rescued me out of their 
hands, till their heat was over, and prevailed with the 
Indian to excuse me from dancing ; but he insisted that 
I must be shaved, and then he would let me alone; (I had 
at that time a long beard, which the Indians hate ;) with 
this motion I readily complied, and then the Indian seem- 
ed content. 

Sunday, April 11th, set off towards Conasadauga. 
travelled about two hours, and then saw the town, over 
a great river, which was still frozen ; the Indians stopped, 
and we were soon joined with a number of our own 
company, which we had not seen for several days. The 
prisoners, in number eight, were ordered to lay down 
their packs, and be painted; the wounded Indian painted 
me, and put a belt of wampum round my neck, instead 
of the rope which I had worn four hundred miles ; then 
set off towards the town on the ice, which was four miles 
over; our heads were not allowed to be covered, lest 
our fine paint should be hid, the weather in the mean 
time very cold, like to freeze our ears ; after we had 
advanced nearer to the town, the Indian women came 
out to meet us, and relieved their husbands of their packs. 

As soon as we landed at Conasadauga, a large body of 
Indians came and encompassed us round, and ordered 
the prisoners to dance and sing the prisoner's song, (which 
I was still enabled to decline,) at the conclusion of which, 
the Indians gave a shout, and opened the ring to let us 
run, and then fell on us with their fists, and knocked sev- 
*^ral down ; in the mean time, one ran before to direct 



APPENDIX, 193 

US to an Indian house, which was open, and as soon as 
we got in, we were beat no more ; my head was sore 
with beating, and pained me several days. The squaws 
were kind to us, gave us boiled corn and beans to eat, 
and fire to warm us, which was a great mercy, for I was 
both cold and hungry. This town lies about thirty miles 
north-west from Montreal ; I staid here till the ice was 
gone, which was about ten days, and then was sent to 
Cohnewago, in company with some Indians, who, when 
they came within hearing, gave notice by their way of 
shouting that they had a prisoner ; on which the whole 
town rose to welcome me, which was the more distress- 
ing, as there was no other prisoner in their hands ; when 
we came near shore, a stout Indian took hold of me, and 
hauled me into the water, which was knee-deep and very 
cold. As soon as I got ashore, the Indians gathered round 
me, and ordered me to dance and sing, now when I was 
stiff with cold and wet, and lying long in the canoe ; here 
I only stamped to prepare for my race, and was encom- 
passed with about five hundred Indians, who danced and 
sung, and at last gave a shout and opened the circle : 
about one hundred and fifty young lads made ready to 
pelt me with dirt and gravel stones, and on my setting 
off gave me a stout volley, without my suffering great 
hurt; but an Indian seeing me run, met me, and held me 
fast till the boys had stored themselves again with dirt 
and small stones, and let me run ; but then I fared much 
worse than before, for a small stone among the mud hit 
my right eye, and my head and face were so covered 
with dirt, that I could scarce see my way, but discovering 
a door of an Indian house standing open, I run in : from 
this retreat I was soon hauled, in order to be pelted more ; 
but the Indian women, being more merciful, interposed, 
took me into a house-, brought me water to wash, and 
gave me boiled corn and beans to eat. The next day I 
was brought to the centre of the town, and cried accord- 
ing to the Indian custom, in order to be sent to a family 
of Indians, two hundred miles up stream, at Oswegotchy, 
and there to be adopted, and abused no more. To this 
end I was delivered to three young men, who said I was 
their brother, and set forward on our way to the aforesaid 



194 APPENDIX, 

town, with about twenty more Indians, but by reason of 
bad weather we were obhged to encamp on a cold, stony 
shore three days, and then proceeded on ; called at Con- 
asadauga, staid there about a week, in which time I went 
and viewed four houses at a distance from the town, 
about a quarter of a mile from each other, in which are 
represented, in large paint work, the sufferings of our 
Saviour, with design to draw the hidians to the Papists' 
religion ; the work is curiously done. A little farther 
stand three houses near together on the top of a high hill, 
which they call Mount Calvary, with three large crosses 
before them, which complete the whole representation. 
To all these houses the priests and Indians repair, in 
performing their grand processions, which takes up much 
time.* 

Set off on our journey for Oswegotchy, against a rapid 
stream, and being long in it, and our provision growing 
short, the Indians put to shore a little before night ; my 
lot was to get wood, others were ordered to get fire, and 
some to hunt ; our kettle was put over the fire with some 
pounded Indian corn, and after it had boiled about two 
hours, my oldest Indian brother returned with a she-bea- 
ver, big with young, which he soon cut to pieces, and 
threw into the kettle, together with the guts, and took the 
four young beavers, whole as they came out of the dam, 
and put them likewise into the kettle, and when all was 
well boiled, gave each one of us a large dish full of the 
broth, of which we eat freely, and then part of the old 

* The pains the Papists take to propagate such a bloody and 
absurd religion as theirs, is truly amazing. This brings to my 
remembrance the following discourse I had with two French priests 
in my captivity : one of them asked me, if I was a Catholic ? appre- 
hending the Romish religion, I answered, no; he replied, no bon. 
On my relating the above to a fellow-prisoner, he said, I had an- 
swered wrong, because by the word Catholic he meant a Christian. 
Some time after I was again asked by the other priest, if I was a 
Catholic ? I answered, yes, but not a Roman Catholic ; at which he 
smiled, and asked, if I was a Lutheran? I replied, no; he again 
incjuired, whether I was a Calvinist? I told him I was ; to which he 
said with warmth, no bon! no bon! which signifieth, it is not good, 
it is not good. Oh ! may not the zeal of Papists, in propagating 
superstition and idolatry, make Protestants ashamed of their luke- 
warmness in promoting the religion of the Bible ? 



APPENDIX. 195 

beaver, the tail of which was divided equally among us, 
there being eight at our fire ; the four young beavers were 
cut in the middle, and each of us got half of a beaver ; I 
watched an opportunity to hide my share, (having satis- 
fied myself before that tender dish came to hand,) which 
if they had seen, would have much displeased them. 
The other Indians catched young muskrats, ran a stick 
through their bodies, and roasted, without being skinned 
or gutted, and so eat them. Next morning, hastened on 
our journey, which continued several days, till we came 
near Oswegotchy, where we landed about three miles 
from the town, on the contrary side of the river ; here I 
was to be adopted — my father and mother that I had 
never seen before were waiting, and ordered me into an 
Indian house, where we were directed to sit down silent 
for a considerable time ; the Indians appeared very sad, 
and my mother began to cry, and continued crying 
aloud for some time, and then dried up her tears and 
received me for her son, and took me over the river to 
the Indian town ; the next day I was ordered to go to 
mass with them, but I refused once and again, yet they 
continued their importunity several days, saying it was 
good to go to mass, but I still refused ; and seeing they 
could not prevail with me, they seemed much displeased 
with their new son.* I was then sent over the river to 
be employed in hard labor, as a punishment for not 
going to mass, and not allowed a sight of, or any conver- 
sation with, my fellow-prisoners. The old Indian man 
that I was ordered to work with, had a wife and some 
children ; he took me into the woods with him, and made 
signs that I must chop, giving me an axe — the Indian soon 



* When I was at Oswegotchy, the Indians took notice that I fre- 
quently retired alone, and supposing I had some bad design, threat- 
ened, if I did not desist, they would tomahawk me ; but my fellow- 
prisoner, who understood their language, told them it would be a 
pity to hurt me on that account, for I only went into a private place 
to pray — which was true ; the Indians replied, if so, it was good ; 
but being yet suspicious, took pains, by watching, to find out how 
the case was, and when they satisfied themselves, seemed pleased, 
and did not offer to interrupt me any more, which was a great 
mercy ; as the contrary would have, in some degree, marred my 
converse with Godr 



196 APPENDIX. 

saw that I could handle the axe : here I tried to reconcile 
myself to this employ, that they might have no occasion 
against me, except concerning the law of my God. The 
old man began to appear kind, and his wife gave me milk 
and bread when we came home, and when she got fish, 
gave me the gills to eat out of real kindness ; but per- 
ceiving I did not like them, gave me my own choice, and 
behaved lovingly. Here 1 saw that God could make 
friends of cruel enemies, as he once turned the heart of 
angry Esau into love and tenderness : when we had finish- 
ed our fence, which had employed us about a week, I 
showed the old squaw my shirt (having worn it from the 
time I was first taken prisoner, which was about seven 
weeks) all in rags, dirt, and Hce ; she said it was not good, 
and brought me a new one, with ruffled sleeves, saying 
that is good, which I thankfully accepted. The next day 
they carried me back to the Indian town, and admitted 
me to converse with my fellow prisoners, who told me 
we were all to be sent to Montreal, which accordingly 
came to pass. 

Montreal. At our arrival here, we had our lodging first 
in the Jesuit's Convent, where 1 saw a great number of 
priests, and people that came to confession ; after some 
stay, we were ordered to attend, with the Indians, at a 
grand council, held before the head General Vaudriel; 
we prisoners sat in our rank, surrounded with our fathers 
and brethren, but were asked no questions : the General 
had a number of officers to attend him in council, where 
a noted priest, called Picket, sat at his right hand, who 
understands the Indian tongue well, and does more hurt to 
the English, than any other of his order in Canada (his 
dwelling is at Oswegotchy.) Here I was informed that 
some measures were concerted to destroy Oswego, which 
they had been long preparing to execute; we in our jour- 
ney met many batteaux going up stream, with provision 
and men for an attack on our frontiers, which confirmed 
the report. The council adjourned to another day, and 
then broke up. My Indian father and mother took me 
with them to several of their old acquaintance, who were 
French, to show them their lately adopted son; these 
persons had been concerned with my father and other 



APPENDIX. 197 

Indians, in destroying many English families in their 
younger days; and (as one standing by, who understood 
their language, said,) were boasting of their former mur- 
ders ! After some days the council was again called, be- 
fore which, several of the Oneida chiefs appeared, and 
offered some complaint against the French's attacking our 
carrying place, it being their land; but the General 
labored to make them easy, and gave them sundry pres- 
ents of value, which they accepted :* after which, I 
knowing these Indians were acquainted with Captain Wil- 
liams, at the carrying place, sent a letter by them, to let 
my family and friends know I was yet alive, and longed 
for redemption ; but it never came to hand. The treaty 
being ended, the General sent about ten gallons of red 
wine to the Indians, which they divided among us ; after 
came the presents, consisting of coats, blankets, shirts, 
skins (to make Indian shoes,) cloth (to make stockings,) 
powder, lead, shot, and to each a bag of paint, for their 
own use, &c. After we prisoners had our share, my 
mother came to me with an interpreter, and told me I 
might stay in the town, at a place she had found for me, 
if I pleased (this was doubtless the consequence of my 
declining to obey her orders, in some instances that 
affected my conscience:) this proposal I almost agreed to; 

* The French in Canada, well knowing the great importance of 
haying the Indians in their interest, to promote their ambitious and 
unjust designs, use a variety of methods with them, among which 
the following one is excellent in itself, and well worthy of imitation, 
viz. They are exceeding careful to prevent spirituous liquors being 
sold to the Indians, and if any of the inhabitants are proved guilty 
of it, their temporal interest is quite broke, and corporal punish- 
ment inflicted on them; unless the General, on some particular 
occasion, orders his commissioners to deliver some to them. I may 
add, that knowing their number is small, compared with the British 
inhabitants on this continent, and must quickly fall into their hands, 
in case we united, and entered boldly into the heart of their country 
with a sufficient force ; for that very reason, they choose to keep us 
continually on the defensive, by sending, when occasion requires, 
large bodies of regulars, together with great numbers of Indians, 
upon long and tedious marches, that we may not come near their 
borders ; and especially by employing the latter, constantly to waste 
and ravage our frontiers, by which we are murdered by inches, and 
beat without a battle. By what I could learn when I was among 
them, they do not fear our numbers, because of our unhappy divi- 
sions, which they deride, and from them, strongly expeci to conquer 
us eatirely, which may a gracious God in mercy prevent. 



1 98 APPENDIX. 

but one of my fellow prisoners, with whom I had before 
some discourse, about making our escape from the Indian 
town, opposed the motion, and said, "pray do not stay, 
for if you do, we shall not be able to form a plan for our 
dehverance;" on which I told her I chose to go home 
with her, and soon set off by land in our way thither, to 
Lascheen, distant from Montreal about nine miles, where 
we left our canoes, and then proceeded, without delay, 
on our journey ; in which I saw, to my sorrow, great 
numbers of soldiers, and much provisions, in motion to- 
wards Lake Ontario. 

After a painful and distressing journey, we arrived at 
Oswegotchy, where we likewise saw many batteaux, with 
provision and soldiers, daily passing by in their way to 
Frontenac, which greatly distressed me for Oswego. 
Hence I resolved, if possible, to give our people notice 
of their danger. To this end, I told two of my fellow 
prisoners, that it was not a time to sleep, and asked if 
they would go with me : to this they heartily agreed ; but 
we had no provision, were closely eyed by the enemy, 
and could not lay up a stock out of our allowance. How- 
ever, at this time Mr. Picket (before mentioned) had 
concluded to dig a large trench round the town ; I there- 
fore went to a negro, the principal manager of this work 
(who could speak English, French, and Indian well,) and 
asked him, if he could get employ for two others and my- 
self, which he soon did ; for which we were to have meat 
and wages. Here we had a prospect of procuring provi- 
sion for our flight ; this, I in some time effected for my- 
self, and then asked my brethren if they were ready, who 
replied they were not yet, but said, Ann Bowman, our 
fellow prisoner, had brought one hundred and thirty 
dollars from Bull's fort, and would give them all they had 
need of; I told them it was not safe to disclose such a 
secret to her, but they blamed me for my fears, and ap- 
plied to her for provision, letting her know our intention, 
who immediately informed the priest of it; on which we 
were apprehended, the Indians apprized of our design, 
and a court called; by order of which, four of us were 
confined under a strong guard, in a room within the fort, 
for several days. 



APPENDIX. 199 

From hence, another and myself were sent to Cohne- 
wago, under a strong guard of sixty Indians, to prevent 
my plotting any more against the French, and banish all 
hope of my escape. However, when we arrived at this 
place, it pleased that gracious God, who has the hearts 
of all creatures in his hand, to incline the captain of the 
guard, to show me great kindness, in giving me liberty to 
walk or work where I pleased, within any small distance ; 
on which I went to work with a French smith, for six 
livres and five sous per week ; which the captain let me 
have to myself, and farther favored me with the privi- 
ledge of lodging at his mother's house, an English woman 
(named Mary Harris, taken captive when a child, from 
Dearfield, in New-England) who told me she was my 
grand-mother, and was kind ; but the wages being small, 
and not sufficient to procure such clothing as I was in 
want of, I proceeded no farther with the French smith, but 
went to my uncle Peter, and told him I wanted clothes, 
and that it would be better to let me go to Montreal, and 
work there, where I could clothe myself better, than by 
staying with him, and that without any charge to him, 
who after some reasoning consented. 

Set off on my journey to Montreal, and on my entering 
the city met an English smith, who took me to work with 
him ; after some time, we settled to work in a shop, op- 
posite to the General's door, where we had the oppor- 
tunity of seeing a great part of the forces of Canada (both 
soldiers and Indians) who were commonly brought there, 
before their going out to war; and hkewise all prisoners, 
by which means we got intelligence how our people were 
preparing for defence ; but no good news from Oswego, 
which made me fear, knowing that great numbers of 
French were gone against it, and hearing of but few to 
defend it. Prayers were put up in all the churches of 
Canada, and great processions made, in order to procure 
success to their arms against poor Oswego ; but our people 
knew little of their danger, till it was too late : certainly, 
if more frequent and earnest application (both in private 
and public) was made to the God of battle, we might, 
with greater probability, expect success would crown 
our military attempts. To my surprise, the dismal news 



200 APPENDIX^ 

came, that the French had taken one of the Oswego forts ; 
in a few hours, in confirmation of this, I saw the English 
standards (the melancholy trophy of victory) and the 
French rejoicing at our downfall, and mocking us poor 
prisoners, in our exile and extremity, which was no great 
argument either of humanity, or true greatness of mind ; 
great joy appeared in all their faces, which they expressed 
by loud shouts, firing of cannon, and returning thanks in 
their churches ; but our faces were covered with shame, 
and our hearts filled with grief! Soon after, I saw seve- 
ral of the officers brought in prisoners, in small parties, 
and the soldiers in the same manner, and confined within 
the walls, in a starving condition, in order to make them 
work, which some compHed with, but others bravely 
refused ; and last of all came the tradesmen, among whom 
was my son, who looking round saw his father, who he 
thought had long been dead ; this joyful sight so affected 
him, that he wept ! nor could I, in seeing my son, remain 
unconcerned I — no ; the tenderness of a father's bowels, 
upon so extraordinary an occasion, I am not able to ex- 
press, and therefore must cover it with a veil of silence ! 
— but he, with all my Philadelphia friends, being guarded 
by soldiers, with fixed bayonets, we could not come near 
each other : they were sent to the common pound ; but 
I hastened to the interpreter, to try if I could get my child 
at liberty, which was soon effected ! When we had the 
happiness of an interview, he gave me some information 
of the state of our family, and told me, as soon as the news 
were sent home, that I was killed, or taken, his mother 
was not allowed any more support from my wages, which 
grieved me much, and added to my other afflictions !* 

* In the mean time, it gave me some pleasure, in this situation, to 
see an expression of equal duty and prudence in my son's conduct, 
who, though young in years (about seventeen) and in such a con- 
fused state of things, had taken care to bring, with much labor and 
fatigue, a large bundle of considerable value to me, it being cloth- 
ing, <^c. which I was in great need of; he likewise saved a quantity 
of wampum, which we brought from New- York, and afterwards sold 
here, for one hundred and fifty livres. He travelled with me part of 
the journey towards Oswego, but not being so far on his way, as I 
waswhen taken, he did not then fall into the enemy's hands, but 
continued free till Oswego was taken, and was then remarkably de- 
livered from the hands of the Indians, in the following manner: fifteen 



APPENDIX. 201 

When the people taken at Oswego, were setting out 
on their way to Quebec,! made appHcation for Ubertyto 
go with them ; but the interpreter replied, that I was an 
Indian prisoner, and the General would not sutTer it, till 
the Indians were satisfied ; and as they lived two hundred 
miles from Montreal, it could not be done at that time. 
Finding that all arguments farther on that head, would 
not avail, because I was not included in the capitulation; 
I told the interpreter, my son must go and leave me ! in 
order to be ready at Quebec to go home, when the 
Oswego people went, which probably would be soon; he 
replied, " it would be better to keep him with me, for he 
might be a mean to get me clear much sooner." 

The officers belonging to Oswego, would gladly have 
had me with them, but found it impracticable ; this is an 
instance of kindness and condescension, for which I am 
obliged ! Captain Bradley gave me a good coat, vest, and 
shirt; and a young gentleman, who formerly lived in 
Philadelphia, gave four pistoles (his name is James Stone, 
he was Doctor at Oswego.) These generous expressions 
of kindness and humanity, I am under great obligations 



young lads were drafted out to be delivered to them (which, from 
their known custom, it is reasonable to conclude, was to fill up the 
number they had lost in the battle) among- which he was one. This 
barbarous design, which is contrary to the laws of war, among all 
civilized nations, the French artfully concealed, under the pretext 
of sending them to Avorkin thebatteaux; but my child taking notice, 
that all that were chosen were small lads, doubted their real inten- 
tion was bad, and therefore slipt out of his rank and concealed him- 
self, by which means, under God, he was preserved from a state of 
perpetual captivity ; his place being filled up in his absence, the 
other unhappy youths were delivered up a sacrifice to the Indian 
enemy, to be instructed in popislj principles, and employed in mur- 
dering their countrymen; yea, perhaps their fathers and brethren. 
O horrible ! O lamentable ! How can the French be guilty, in cold 
blood, of such prodiffious iniquity ? Besides their insatiable thirst of 
empire, doubtless the pardons they get from their pope, and their 
priests, embolden them, which brings to my mind, what I saw when 
among them. On a sabbath day, perceiving a great concourse of 
people at a chapel, built on the commons, at some distance from the 
city, I went to see what was the occasion, and found a kind of a 
fair, at which were sold cakes, wine, brandy, &;c. I likewise saw 
many carts and chaises attending, the chapel doors in the mean time 
open, numbers of people going in and out, and a board hanging 
over the door, on which was written, in large letters, INDUL- 
GENCE PLENARY, or FULL PARDON. 



202 APPENDIX. 

to remember with affectionate gratitude, and if ever it 
be in the compass of my power, to requite. This money, 
together with what my son brought, I was in hopes would 
go far towards procuring my release, from my Indian 
masters ; but seeing a number of prisoners in sore distress, 
among which were, the Captains Grant and Shepherd, 
and about seven more in company, I thought it my duty 
to relieve them, and commit my release to the disposal 
of Providence. Nor was this suffered to turn to my dis- 
advantage in the issue, for my deliverance was brought 
about in due time, in another and unexpected way. This 
company informed me of their intention to escape; accord- 
ingly I gave them all the help in my power, saw them 
clear of the town, on a Saturday evening before the sen- 
tries were set at the gates, and advised them not to part 
from each other, and delivered to Captain Shepherd two 
pocket-compasses; but they, contrary to this counsel, part- 
ed, and saw each other no more. By their separating, 
Captain Grant and Serjeant Newel, were deprived of the 
benefit of a compass ; the other part got safe to fort 
WiUiam Henry, as I was informed by Serjeant Henry, 
who was brought in prisoner, being taken in a battle, 
when gallant, indefatigable Captain Rogers, made a brave 
stand, against more than twice his number ; but I have 
not heard any account of Captain Grant — was enabled, 
through much mercy, to continue communicating some 
relief to other prisoners, out of the wages I received for 
my labor, which was forty livres per month. 

In the latter part of the winter, coal and iron were so 
scarce, that I was hard set to get any more work ; I then 
offered to work for my diet and lodging, rather than be 
thrust into a stinking dungeon, or sent among the Indians. 
The interpreter took some pains (which I thankfully 
acknowledge) but without success; however, as I offered 
to work without wages, a Frenchman took me and my son 
in, upon these ternis, till a better birth presented ; here 
we staid one week, but heard of no other place: then he 
offered me and my son thirty livres per month, to strike 
and blow the bellows, which I did for about two months, 
and then was discharged, and travelled about from place 
to place, having no fixed abode, and was obliged to lay 



APPENDIX. 203 

out the small remains of my cash, in buying a httle 
victuals, and took a hay-loft for my lodging ; I then made 
my case known to the kind interpreter, and requested 
him to consider of some means for my relief, who replied 
he would ; in the mean time, as I was taking a walk in 
the city, I met an Indian prisoner, that belonged to the 
town where my father lived, who reported, that a great 
part of the Indians there, were just come, with a resolu- 
tion to carry me back with them ; and knowing him to be 
a very honest fellow^ I believed the truth of it, and fled 
from the town to be concealed from the Indians ; in the 
mean while, schemes were formed for an escape, and well 
prosecuted, the issue of which was fortunate. General 
Vaudriel gave me and my son liberty (under his hand) to 
go to Quebec, and work there at our pleasure, without 
confniement, as prisoners of war; by which means, I was 
freed from paying a ransom. 

The cpmmissary, Monsieur Partwe, being about to set 
off for Quebec, my son informed me that I must come to 
town in the evening, a passage being provided for us ; I 
waited till near dark, and then entered the tov^, with 
great care, to escape the Indians, who kept watch for me 
(and had done so for some time) which made it very diffi- 
cult and dangerous to move; however, as they had no 
knowledge of my son, he could watch their motions, with- 
out their suspicion (the providence of God is a great deep; 
this help was provided for my extremity, not only beyond 
my expectation, but contrary to my design.) In the morn- 
ing, upon seeing an Indian set to watch for me, over 
against the house I was in, I quickly made my escape, 
through the back part of the house, over some high 
pickets, and out of the city, to the river side, and fled! 
A friend knowing my scheme for deliverance, kindly 
assisted me to conceal myself. The commissary had by 
this time got ready for his voyage, of which my son giving 
me notice, I immediately, with no lingering motion, 
repaired to the boat, was received on board, set off' quite 
undiscovered, and saw the Indians no more ! A very 
narrow and surprising escaj)e, from a violent death ! (for 
they had determined to kill me, in case I ever attempted 
to leave them ;) which lays me under the strongest obliga- 
S2 



204 APPENDIX. 

tions, to improve a life rescued from the jaws of so many 
deaths, to the honour of my gracious Benefactor ! — ^But 
to return, the commissary, upon seeing the dismission I had 
from the General, treated us courteously !* 

Arrived at Quebec, May 1st. The honorable Colonel 
Peter Schuyler^ hearing of my coming there, kindly sent 
for me, and after inquiries about my welfare, &c. gene- 
rously told me, I should be supplied, and need not trouble 
myself for support. This pubhc spirited gentleman, who 
is indeed an honour to his country, did, in like manner, 
nobly relieve many other poor prisoners at Quebec ! — 
Here I had full liberty to walk where I pleased, and view 
the city, which is well situated for strength, but far from 
being impregnable. 

Here, I hope, it will not be judged improper, to give a 
short hint of the French governor's conduct; even in 
time of peace, he gives the Indians great encouragement 
to murder and captivate the poor inhabitants on our 
frontiers; an honest, good man, named William Ross, 
was taken prisoner twice in the time of peace ; when he 
was fir^ taken, he learned a little of the French tongue, 
was after some time redeemed, and got to his place of 
abode. Yet some years after, he, with two sons, was 
again taken, and brought to Quebec ; the governor, seeing 
the poor man was lame, and one of his legs smaller than 
the other, reproved the Indians for not killing him, asking, 
" what they brought a lame man there for, who could do 
nothing but eat ; you should (said he) have brought his 
scalp !" However, another of his countrymen, more 
merciful than his excellency, knowing the poor prisoner 
to be a quiet, hard-working man, redeemed him from the 
Indians; and two other Frenchmen bought his two sons. 
Here they had been slaves more than three years, when 

* Saw many houses and villages in our pass along the river St. 
Lawrence towards the metropolis ; and here it may be with justice 
observed, that the inhabitants of Canada in general, are principally 
(if not wholly) settled upon rivers, by reason that their back lands 
being flat and swampy, are therefore unfit to bear grain. Their 
wheat is sown in the spring of the year, because the winter is long, 
and would drown it; they seem to have no good notion of making 
mearlow (so far as I had an opportunity of observing) their horned 
catti-, ■? "e few and poor, their living in general mean, they eat but 
Mttle flesh, nevertlieless they are strong and hardy. 



APPENDIX. 205 

I first arrived at Quebec ; this accouht I had from Mr. 
Ross himself, who farther added, that the governor gave 
the Indians presents, to encourage them to proceed, in 
that kind of work, which is a scandal to any civilized 
nation, and what many pagans would abhor ! Here also, 
I saw one Mr. Johnson, who was taken in a time of peace, 
with his wife, and three small children (his wife was big 
w^ith child of a fourth, and delivered on the road to 
Canada, which she called Captive) all which had been 
prisoners between three and four years : several young 
men, and his wife's sister, were likewise taken captive 
with them, and made slaves. 

Our cartel being ready, I obtained liberty to go to Eng- 
land in her; we set sail the 23d of July, 1757, in the 
morning, and discharged our pilot about four o'clock in 
the afternoon ; after which, we neither cast anchor or 
lead, till We got clear of the great river St. Lawrence, 
from which, I conclude, the navigation is much safer than 
the French have reported; in twenty-eight days we arriv- 
ed at Plymouth, which occasioned great joy, for we were 
ragged, lousy, sick, and in a manner, starved ; and many 
of the prisoners, who in all were about three hundred in 
number, were sick of the small-pox. My son and self, 
having each a blanket coat (which we bought in Canada 
to keep us warm) and now expecting relief, gave them to 
two poor sick men, almost naked ! but as we were not 
allowed to go on shore, but removed to a king's ship, and 
sent to Portsmouth, where we were still confined on 
board, near two weeks, and then removed to the Mermaid, 
to be sent to Boston; we now repented our well meant, 
though rash charity, in giving our coats away, as we were 
not to get any more, all application to the captain for 
any kind of covering being in vain ; our joy was turned 
into sorrow, at the prospect of coming on a cold coast, in 
the beginning of winter, almost naked, which was not a 
httle increased, by a near view of our mother country^ the 
soil and comforts of which, we were not suffered to touch 
or taste.* 

* On board the Mermaid man of war, being in a distressed condi- 
tion, and hearing little from the mouths of many of my countrymen, 
but oaths and curses {which much increased my afflictioa) and find- 



206 APPENDIX. 

September the 6th, set sail for Boston, with a fleet in 
convoy, at which we arrived on the seventh of Novem- 
ber, in the evening; it being dark, and we strangers, and 
poor, it was difficult to get a lodging (I had no shoes, and 
but pieces of stockings, and the weather in the mean time 
very cold) we were indeed directed to a tavern, but found 
cold entertainment there; the master of the house seeing 
a ragged and lousy company, turned us out to wander in 
the dark ; he was suspicions of us, and feared we came 
from Hahfax, where the small-pox then was, and told us, 
he was ordered not to receive such as came from thence. 
We soon met a young man, who said he could find a 
lodging for us, but still detained us by asking many ques- 
tions ; on which I told him we were in no condition to 
answer, till we came to a proper place, which he quickly 
found, where we were used well ; but as we were lousy, 
could not expect beds. The next morning, we made ap- 
phcation for clothing; Mr. Erwing, son-in-law to the late 
General Shirley, gave us relief, not only in respect of 
apparel, but also three dollars per man, to bear our 
charges to Newport. When I put on fresh clothes, I was 
seized with a cold fit, which was followed by a high kver^ 
and in that condition obliged to travel on foot, as far as 
Providence, in our way to Rhode-Island (our money not 
being sufficient to hire any carriage, and find us what was 
needful for support.) In this journey, I was exceedingly 
distressed ! Our comforts in this life, are often alloyed 
with miseries, which are doubtless great mercies when 

ing it difficult to get a retired place, I crept down into the hold 
among the water caske, to cry to God ; here the Lord was graciously 
pleased to meet with me, and give me a sense of his fatherly love 
and care ; here he enabled me (blessed be his name for ever) to look 
back and view how he had led me, and guarded me with a watchful 
eye and strong arm, and what pains he had taken to wean me from 
an over-love of time things, and make me content, that he should 
choose for me. Here I was enabled to see his great goodness in all 
my disappointments, and that afflictions were not evidences of God's 
wrath, but the contrary, to all that honestly endeavor to seek him 
with faith and love ; here I could say, God is worthy to be served, 
loved, and obeyed, though it be attended with many miseries in this 
world ! What 1 have here mentioned, so far as I know my heart, is 
neither to exalt myself, or offend any one upon earth, but to glorify 
God, for his goodness and faithfulness to the meanest of his servants, 
and to encourage others to trust in hiin. 



APPENDIX. 207 

suitably improved; at Newport, met with Captain Gibbs, 
and agreed with him for our passage to New-York, where 
we arrived, November 21st; met with many friends, who 
expressed much satisfaction at our return, and treated us 
kindly, particularly Messrs. Livingston, and Waldron. 

November 26th, 1757. Arrived at Philadelphia, to the 
great joy of all my friends, and particularly of my poor 
afflicted wife and family, who thought they should never 
see me again, till we met beyond the grave ; being re- 
turned, sick and weak in body, and empty-handed, not 
having any thing for my family's and my own support, 
several humane and generous persons, of different de- 
nominations, in this city (without any application of mine, 
directly or indirectly) have freely given seasonable rehef; 
for which, may God grant them blessings in this world, 
and in the world to come everlasting life, for Christ's sake ! 

Now, God, in his great mercy, hath granted me a tem- 
poral salvation, and what is a thousand times better, he 
hath given me with it, a soul-satisfying evidence of an 
eternal in the world to come ! 

And now, what shall I render to the Lord for all his 
benefits? alas! I am nonplussed! Oh that saints and angels 
might praise thee, for I am not worthy to take thy name 
into my mouth any more ! yet notwithstanding, thou art 
pleased to accept poor endeavors, because Jesus Christ 
has opened the door, whereby we may come boldly to 
the throne of thy grace, praised be the Lord God Jeho- 
vah, by men and angels, throughout all eternity ! 

But to hasten to the conclusion, suffer me with humil- 
ity and sorrow to observe, that our enemies seem to make 
a better use of a bad religion, than we of a good one ; 
they rise up long before day in winter, and go through the 
snow in the coldest seasons, to perform their devotions 
in the churches ; which when over, they return to be 
ready for their work as soon as day-light appears. The 
Indians are as zealous in religion, as the French : they 
oblige their children to pray morning and evening, partic- 
ularly at Conasadauga; are punctual in performing their 
stated acts of devotion themselves, are still and peaceable 
in their own families, and among each other as neigh- 
boui;'s ! 



^7?y3 



208 APPENDIX. lj 

When I compared our manner of living with theirs, it 
made me fear that the righteous and jealous God (who is 
wont to make judgment begin at his own house first) was 
about to deliver us into their hands, to be severely pun- 
ished for our departure from him ; how long has he wait- 
ed for our return ! O that we may therefore turn to him, 
before his anger break out into a flame, and there be no 
remedy ! 

Our case appears to me indeed very gloomy ! notwith- 
standing our enemies are inconsiderable in number, com- 
pared with us ; yet they are united as one man, while we 
may be justly compared to a house divided against itself, 
and therefore cannot stand long, in our present situation. 

May almighty God, graciously incline us to look to him 
for deliverance^ to repent of our sins, reform our lives, 
and unite in the vigorous and manly use of all proper 
means to this end. Amen. 



THE END. 



